Robert Gordon, an Aberdeen merchant, made his fortune in 18th century Poland trading from the Baltic port of Danzig, (Gdansk).

Upon his death in 1731, he left his entire estate in a 'Deed of Mortification', dated 13 December 1729, for the foundation of Robert Gordon's Hospital, a residential school for poor boys.

East and West wings with classical colonnades, designed by the architect John Smith, were added in 1830–33, partly funded by the generous bequest of Alexander Simpson of Collyhill.

Until 1881, the pupils received their education, board and lodging and a uniform free of charge but in 1881, the status of the institution changed and it became a fee-paying day school with the new name of Robert Gordon's College.

The Latin motto of the college, "Omni nunc arte magistra" translates to "Now is the time for all your masterly skill"; it is more commonly presented as "Be The Best That You Can Be".

[2] The original seal of the hospital contained the motto "Imperat hoc natura potens", translating as "by nature's sovereign command", which was taken from the Satires of Horace.

The houses compete in various activities (such as netball, football, mathematics, cross country, poetry, and various other events) throughout the year and gain points which contribute to the annual John Reid Trophy award.