There are many other amazing places near the museum that you may like to walk past if you live locally – why don’t you tell us about your favourite? (We might even do a feature on it if you do!)
Perhaps you have walked past this building and wondered about it? Well, wonder no more!
Free School Frontage (C) Tianna Laverock 2020
Founded in 1613 by Peter Hills and Robert Bell, it is thought to be the first elementary school in London. The school was opened originally to be for eight sons of Mariners from the parish.
Many names have been attached to the school; it was first named Free School. In the 18th century new funds were gathered to allow for more pupils, admitting girls to the school as well.
Original photograph from The Daily Graphic on 26 Feb 1912. This picture by Khalil Mohammed during the statue renovations Feb 2016.
The original building was on the north side of St. Marychurch Street adjoining the church. In 1795 the school purchased the house on the other side of the road from Richard Vidler and that is the building pictured. The building dates to about 1700. About 150 boys were taught there by the end of the 19th century. Some records say that girls ceased to be educated there in 1836, however this photograph from 1912 implies otherwise.
The figures you can see at first floor level are of a young charity boy and girl, and are made of Portland Stone.
A few years ago the Bubble Theatre around the corner displayed the child figures when they were taken down to be completely refurbished.
Charity Girl, pre-renovation, photograph by Khalil Mohammed 2016
Charity Girl, post-renovation, photograph by Khalil Mohammed 2016
Charity Boy, pre-renovation, photograph by Khalil Mohammed 2016
Charity Boy, post-renovation, photograph by Khalil Mohammed 2016
There are similar figures on a Victorian school just north of Hatton Garden.
Article by volunteer Tianna Laverock, with additional detail by Khalil Mohammed and Gill Howard.
If school is very much on your mind at the moment, here are some STEM resources you may find useful from STEM Learning.
What would you like from us at this time? More links to resources, stories about the local area, stories around our collections?
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We look forward to hearing from you!
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