Aldworth's Hospital School 1656-1879

Richard Aldworth, whose mother was born in Basingstoke, died in 1648 in London leaving £2,000 on trust to the Corporation of Basingstoke to purchase property which would generate an income for the ‘education and bringing upp of 10 poore Male Children and for their Meat Drinke and Cloathing yearely’ as well as the master’s salary.  As governor and benefactor of Christ’s Hospital in London he wished the boys to wear the same uniform conspicuous by its yellow tights, leather breeches and blue jackets which gave the school the colloquial name of the Blue Coat School.  He also founded a similar school in Reading.

The Corporation purchased a building in Cross Street (originally Cow Cross Lane) for use as a school and selected boys from the town to attend.  Admission was at age 7 and every year a 16 year old would be placed in an apprenticeship in such trades as shoemaker, miller, papermaker, clothier etc.  The income for the trust initially came from renting out a farm in Bentworth but as repairs became too costly it was sold and the money invested.

The Blue Coat boys lodged in the master’s house, sleeping two in a bed.  Their daily diet was half a pint of skimmed milk or coffee, half a pound of bread and an ounce of butter for breakfast; four ounces of meat, half a pound of bread and a pennyworth of vegetables for dinner; half a pound of bread, two ounces of cheese and half a pint of small beer for supper.

The premises underwent two rebuilding phases, one in 1826 and the second in 1862 to accommodate firstly boys under the National School scheme and then girls who occupied a small room on the first floor.

The income reduced over the years and fewer boys were supported by the trust.  The uniform also deterred local tradesmen from wanting their boys to attend.  With free education after 1944 the trust offered scholarships for boys and girls attending the Grammar and High Schools.  The Blue Coat school closed in 1879 but the premises continued to be used for educational purposes until 1896 when Milward’s boot and shoe manufacturer took it over.  In 1926 the property was sold to Aldworth Printing Works.  As part of the 1966 town redevelopment the north side of Cross Street was demolished, but a statue of a Blue Coat boy marks the site of the school.  The Aldworth’s Educational Trust still provides small grants for primary school children attending residential courses.