Bryan Blundell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bryan Blundell
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| Born | c. 1675 |
| Died | 27 January 1756 |
| Occupation | Mayor of Liverpool, Founder and Treasurer of The Liverpool Blue Coat School, Sea Captain |
| Title | The Right Honourable Captain Bryan Blundell Esq. |
| Children | Richard Blundell, Jonathan Blundell, Henry Blundell |
Bryan Blundell (born around 1675, died 1756) was an important English businessman and a kind person who helped others. He served as the Mayor of Liverpool. Blundell also started The Liverpool Blue Coat Hospital School in 1708. He worked with the Reverend Robert Stythe, who was the Rector of Liverpool. Their goal was to give an education to children in the city who were poor or had no parents.
Contents
Bryan Blundell's Life and Work
Early Years at Sea
Bryan Blundell began working on ships when he was only 12 years old. He kept a detailed diary about his travels. This diary showed what life was like during a time of big political changes. It also showed how these changes affected trade across the Atlantic Ocean.
His journal included his own drawings of ships. He also drew detailed plans of how ships' sails and ropes were set up. These drawings helped him build ships in Virginia for much less money than in England.
A Career in Shipping
After his first experiences at sea, Blundell became a successful merchant. He was the captain of a ship called The Mulberry. This ship was the first to enter the Old Dock in Liverpool in 1715. He transported many English workers to Virginia who agreed to work for a period to pay for their journey.
Blundell was also involved in the transportation of people from Africa. He owned a ship called the Tarleton. This ship carried 236 people from the Gold Coast to Barbados, where they were forced into labor. Blundell's sons continued to be involved in this trade throughout the 1700s.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
In 1708, Blundell used a lot of his money to start a Bluecoat School in Liverpool. He worked with Reverend Robert Stythe on this project. Both Blundell and Stythe were members of a group called the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Following this group's goals, they opened The Liverpool Blue Coat Hospital School in 1708.
Fifty boys joined the school in its first year. A special school building, now known as the Bluecoat Chambers, was opened in 1717. This building provided places for the growing number of students to live. Blundell gave £500 to help build it.
After Robert Stythe passed away in 1714, Blundell became the treasurer of the school. He held this important job for 42 years, until he died in 1756. When he became treasurer, Blundell stopped working at sea. He wrote in his records that he hoped to see "as many charity schools as there are churches." He also wished to see 100 boys and girls at the Blue Coat School before he died. His wish came true!
Blundell passed away on January 27, 1756. He was buried at Our Lady and St Nicholas Church. His sons took over as treasurers of the Blue Coat School after him. His memorial stone was originally in the church. However, the church was damaged during the Liverpool Blitz (bombings during World War II). Now, his memorial stone is in the chapel of The Liverpool Blue Coat School.
