Poynter House

Welcome from the Head of House

I have taught at the College since September 1989. I teach R.E. and I am also involved in caring for the boys in boarding. I particularly appreciate the international character of Poynter House. Having both day and boarding students in the House creates a homely and welcoming atmosphere, while also giving the House added depth and dimension. The contact I have with students in the evening makes my job all the more delightful and fulfilling.

History of the House

Poynter House was founded in 1970 to accommodate the expanding numbers in the College. It was named after Dr William Poynter (1762-1827) who was Prefect of Studies at Douai in the last days of the English College. He was imprisoned at Doullens and, eventually, returned to England where he saw a new Douai built on English soil. He became President of St Edmund's and a Bishop.

In his last will and testament, he asked that his heart should be buried at this College from which, in life, it had never been disassociated. His body was brought here, from Moorfields, in 1900. Bishop Milner said of him "I would give the universe to possess half Poynter's merit in the sight of God."