Adrian John Clough (MC, 1974-81)

30 April 1963 - 4 December 2025 

It is with great sadness that we heard of Adrian’s passing following a short cancer illness last year. 

Adrian attended Rossall, following his father‘s footsteps aged 11, initially at James House before Maltese Cross and his brother Alistair joined him four years later. 

Before then, brought up in Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, Adrian attended Newstead Primary before moving to St Joseph’s College, Trent Vale. 

Adrian contributed to Rossall life in so many ways, getting involved in so much; shaping the way he went on from school. 

Adrian joined the Chapel Choir and he also played violin in the School 2nd Orchestra and joined the Naval Section within the school CCF where he discovered his love for sailing. He acted and sang in school productions of HMS Pinafore and was one of the brothers in Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. He was a keen player of Association hockey and fives and he was made a School Monitor. 

Adrian worked hard and excelled academically, gaining a place at Christ Church College Oxford to read Law having studied English, History and Ancient History for his A-levels. 

Ahead of Oxford, he won a scholarship from the English Speaking Union which allowed him to have two semesters in New England, attending Phillips Academy, Massachusetts. 

At Oxford, Adrian got involved with student politics and rowing whilst pursuing his studies which led onto a successful career at Herbert Smith Freehills, where he was made a Partner. Here Adrian‘s creativity inspired him to co-write and co-produce the famous Articled Clerk’s Review that the group performed at the firm’s Christmas parties and the sketch at the show ‘Revels’ that was put on by the City of London Solicitors’ Company every two years.  He qualified into the firm’s Corporate practice. After a secondment with the UK government, he was instrumental in building a leading infrastructure practice. He was involved in many of the UK government privatisations in the 1980s and 1990s. But it was the privatisation of British Rail where Adrian’s creativity and expertise and expertise came to the fore, leading to an extraordinary range of major government mandates and private sector commissions. 

Family wise, Adrian met Sarah at a mutual friend’s wedding in the Summer of 1990 before marrying in September 1994. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in St. Ives last year. They were blessed to have two sons, Alex in 1996 and Tom in 1998. They settled as a family in Teddington, Middlesex. Adrian worked hard and played hard. His family meant everything to him, as did his relationships with both friends and colleagues.

He gave generously of his time and so enjoyed organising get-togethers and reunions with his wonderful humour abounding. 

He was interested in politics, American history, film and music. In addition, Fulham Football Club was another of his joys, shared as a family. 

Adrian generously supported the Rossall School Foundation and in particular the recent Heritage Project. 

At Adrian‘s funeral, Alex talked about Adrian‘s stoicism and selflessness all through his illness with his primary focus always being for Sarah, Tom and himself. 

The outpouring of love and respect for this very special gentleman has been of enormous comfort to Adrian’s family. 

There have been many lovely sentiments expressed for this kind true gentleman, summed up perfectly:

“…but most importantly, above it all he was simply the greatest true friend”

Rest in Peace, Adrian, with our thoughts and prayers 

For those wishing to donate to Cancer Research UK, please go to JustGiving.com, searching for Adrian John Clough

Charlie Hurst (MC, 1976-81)