Michaelhouse was founded in 1896 by the Anglican Priest, Canon James Cameron Todd. The school was established as a private venture with 15 boys in 2 small houses in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg.

Within a few years, Michaelhouse was appointed the Diocesan College for boys in Natal, governed by a permanent Trust Deed and administered by a Board of Governors. The strong Christian ethos remains the cornerstone of the value system at Michaelhouse.

In 1901 the school was relocated to Balgowan, where some 77 boys took up residence in the buildings which remain the core to this the school today. For many years there was no electricity or running water with the fruitful labours of farming the land contributing towards the dietary needs of the boys - a far cry from the modern facilities available today.

The Archives of Michaelhouse are housed under the Chapel with numerous displays available for viewing in the Rector's Reception. Although some of the earlier records have gone astray, the Michaelhouse Archives does retain a full set of Board and other operational Minutes, a collection of the School Magazine spanning 110 years, building plans and memorabilia. Other information includes Old Boys' records, press cuttings, correspondence and film material of the School.