The Blue Coast School at Christ’s Hospital

“The annexed print represents the greatest public exhibition made by this noble charity, on St. Matthew's day, September 21st.

Two orations are annually pronounced in praise of this institution, one in Latin and the other in English, by two of the senior boys, called Grecians, who receive a superior education, being designed to complete their studies at the universities, one of them being sent annually to Cambridge, and every three years one is sent to Oxford. The orations are delivered in the presence of the governors and their friends, and the masters of the various schools, &c., in the great hall, a very noble apartment; the scene is truly impressive and solemn.

....The library founded here in 1429, by the munificent Whittington, must not be forgotten: it was 129 feet long, 31 broad. In three years it was filled with books to the value of 556l. of which Sir Richard contributed 400l. and Dr. Thomas Winchelsey, a friar, supplied the rest. This was about thirty years before the invention of printing.

On the dissolution, this fine church, after being spoiled of its ornaments for the king's use, was made a storehouse for French prizes, and the monuments either sold or mutilated.

Henry, just before his death, touched with remorse, granted the convent and church to the city, and caused the church to be opened for divine service.

The building belonging to the friars was by Edward VI. applied to this useful charity. That amiable young prince did not require to be stimulated to good actions; but it is certain, that, after a sermon of exhortation by Ridley, bishop of London, he founded the three great hospitals of the city, judiciously adapted to provide for the necessities of the poor, divided into three classes: Christ-Church Hospital for the orphan, St. Thomas's Hospital for the diseased, and Bridewell for the thriftless.

....In a room entirely lined with stone, are kept the records, deeds, and other writings of the hospital. One of the books is a curious piece of antiquity; it is the earliest record of the hospital, and contains the anthem sung by the first children, very beautifully illuminated.

The writing school is a handsome modern building of brick, supported by pillars, forming a spacious covered walk.

The grammar school is a plain brick building, more recently erected.

The permanent revenues of Christ's Hospital are great, from royal and private donations in houses and lands; but without voluntary subscriptions they are inadequate to the present establishment.

By the grant of the city, the governors lease the carts allowed to ply in the city, to the number of two hundred and forty, who pay a small sum for this privilege. They also receive a duty of about three farthings upon every piece of cloth brought to Blackwell Hall, granted by acts of common council.”