Dr William Gill was appointed District Surgeon of the newly founded town and district of Somerset in July 1829. Upon his death in 1863, he left the main portion of his estate to found and maintain an institution for higher education in the Eastern Cape. Interestingly, his will stipulated that no portion of the estate was to be spent on the purchase or erection of buildings. The Somerset farmers and townsfolk pledged that they would erect the necessary buildings.

Gill College was founded in 1869 as a university and the beautiful architecture was based on that of the University of Glasgow. In 1903, a change in educational regulations caused Gill College to become a high school. Between 1928 and 1965, Gill College was a school just for boys. Today, Gill College is a proudly South African dual medium high school with boys and girls from all cultures and backgrounds. The original building now serves as the school’s library.

In 1916, Gill’s remains were reburied in front of the school which he endowed.

The school’s crest features four distinct elements:

Three Martlets (Footless Swallows): Sourced from the ancient Gill family crest. The absence of feet symbolises swiftness and the ever-ascending pursuit of knowledge without earthly ties.

A Salmon with a Ring in its Mouth: Taken directly from the coat of arms of the University of Glasgow, where Dr. Gill studied as a surgeon. It pays homage to the legend of Saint Mungo, evoking themes of providence and truth.

A Sheet Anchor: Represents the Cape Colony. Sitting beneath the Scottish and Glasgow elements, it grounds the badge in the local South African context and symbolises stability and hope.

The Motto: Inscribed on a blue riband below the shield is the Latin phrase “Sursum Prorsusque,” which translates to “Upwards and Onwards”