Old Bluecoat School, Thatcham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Bluecoat School |
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Old Bluecoat School in 2005
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| 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 St Thomas’ Chapel, is a very old and important building. It is located in the town of Thatcham in Berkshire, England. This building is so special that it is a Grade I listed building. This means it is protected because of its history and unique design. You can find it right on the main A4 road.
A Look Back in Time
The Chapel of St. Thomas
This building first opened its doors as a chapel in the year 1304. It was officially named by the Bishop of Salisbury. The chapel was dedicated to St Thomas and served the people of Thatcham.
The chapel was used for worship for many years. However, sometime in the 1500s, it stopped being used. It then remained empty and unused for about 150 years. By 1707, records from Lady Francis Winchcombe described it as an "old decayed chapel."
The Bluecoat School
In 1707, the old Chapel of St. Thomas was given a new purpose. It was transformed into a school for boys who came from poor families. This new school was named Winchcombe Charity. It was named in honor of its founder, Lady Frances Winchcombe.
The school later became known as the "Bluecoat School." This name came from the special blue uniforms that the students wore. The building continued to serve as a school for many years.
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