Collection: Christs Hospital School

Christ’s Hospital School was originally founded in 1552 in Newgate Street, London, as part of the Royal Hospitals of London, established by King Edward VI to provide education and care for poor children.

• Historic Foundations: The school was set up in the former Greyfriars monastery, which had been dissolved by Henry VIII.
• Royal Charter: In 1553, Edward VI granted Christ’s Hospital a Royal Charter, making it one of England’s earliest charity schools.
• Bluecoat Uniform: The school became known as the Bluecoat School due to its distinctive blue gowns and yellow stockings, a tradition that continues today.
• Great Fire of London: The school was damaged in the Great Fire of 1666, but all students survived.
• Christopher Wren’s Rebuilding: The school was rebuilt in 1705 under the designs of Sir Christopher Wren, including a new hall and library.
• 19th-Century Expansion: A major rebuilding took place between 1793 and 1836, adding a Grammar School, Great Hall, and Mathematical School.
• Relocation to Horsham: In 1902, Christ’s Hospital moved to Horsham, West Sussex, where it remains today.
• When Christ’s Hospital moved from Newgate Street, London, to Horsham, West Sussex, in 1902, the Dining Hall building was included in the relocation. The Great Hall, which originally housed an organ, was also moved and is now part of Big School at Horsham.