Blewcoat School
| The Blewcoat | |
|---|---|
 Blewcoat School, May 2008 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | School |
| Location | Caxton Street, Westminster, London |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°29′54.3″N 0°8′9.9″W / 51.498417°N 0.136083°W |
| Current tenants | Ian Stuart |
| Construction started | 1709 |
The Blewcoat, located in Caxton Street, Westminster, London, England, was built in 1709 as a school for the poor. It was used as a school until 1926. In 1954, it was purchased by the National Trust who used it as a gift shop and information centre. In 2013 fashion designer Ian Stuart was granted permission to refurbish the interior to house his bridal gowns, special occasion wear & evening gown collections
Opening times
The Blewcoat opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.00-18.00 Late Opening on Thursday 12.30-20.30
School
The school was founded in Duck Lane in about 1688 by voluntary subscription as a charity school for the education of poor boys to teach them reading, writing, religion, and trades. It moved to purpose-built premises in Caxton Street. From 1714 to about 1876, it also admitted girls. In 1899, it was agreed that the school should move to a site that had been owned by the Christ Church National Schools Trust, and the Caxton Street site was then used for an elementary school.[1] The school closed in 1926.[2]
Later Uses
During World War II, the building was used by the American services as a store. Afterwards, the Girl Guides used it as a youth club. When the National Trust bought it in 1954, it was used as their membership and head office. Later, it was converted into a gift shop.[2][3] June 2014 saw the opening of renowned British designer Ian Stuart’s exclusive boutique in the building.
References
- ^ Cox, Montague H. (1926). "Blue Coat School". Survey of London: volume 10: St. Margaret, Westminster, part I: Queen Anne’s Gate area (1926), pp. 144-147. British History Online. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
- ^ a b Provençal, Nina (February 2011). "Business of the Month: January and February 2011 - The National Trust Shop". Business of the Month. Victoria Business Improvement District. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
- ^ Tye, Timothy. "Blewcoat School, London". Historical Buildings in London. Timothy Tye. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
- Bluecoat schools
- National Trust properties in London
- Defunct schools in the City of Westminster
- Educational institutions established in the 1680s
- Educational institutions disestablished in 1926
- School buildings completed in 1709
- Visitor attractions in the City of Westminster
- Boys' schools in London
- 1709 establishments in England
- 1926 disestablishments in England
- Grade I listed buildings in the City of Westminster