Old Bluecoat School, Thatcham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Bluecoat School |
|
|---|---|
Old Bluecoat School in 2005
|
|
| Former names | St Thomas’ Chapel |
| General information | |
| Status | Grade I listed building |
| Type | Chapel |
| Location | Thatcham, Berkshire, England |
| Coordinates | 51°24′13.89″N 1°15′4.65″W / 51.4038583°N 1.2512917°W |
| Construction started | 1304 |
| Owner | Thatcham Town Council |
The Old Bluecoat School, also known as the St Thomas’ Chapel, is a very old and important building. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it's one of the most special historic buildings in England. You can find it in the town of Thatcham in the county of Berkshire, right on the main A4 road.
Contents
What is the Old Bluecoat School?
This building has a long and interesting past. It started as a religious building, a chapel, and later became a school. Today, it stands as a reminder of Thatcham's history.
A Look Back: The Chapel's Story
How it Began: St Thomas’ Chapel
The building was finished and opened in 1304. It was built as a chapel, a small church, for the people of Thatcham. The Bishop of Salisbury dedicated it to Saint Thomas. This means it was officially named in his honor.
The chapel was used for worship for about 250 years. But sometime in the 1500s, it stopped being used. For the next 150 years, it was left empty and slowly fell apart. In 1707, a document described it as an "old decayed chapel."
From Chapel to Classroom: The Bluecoat School
In 1707, something new happened! Lady Frances Winchcombe decided to give the old chapel a new purpose. She had it changed into a school for boys who came from poor families. This school was called the Winchcombe Charity, named after Lady Frances.
The school became known as the "Bluecoat School." This was because of the special uniform the students wore. They all wore blue coats! This school helped many boys get an education they might not have otherwise received.
