History

Exterior of Blewcoat School Coffeehouse and Shop dressed for Christmas © Elaine Hodgson

From school to coffehouse and gift shop

© Elaine Hodgson

Stepping back

The Blewcoat School, so called from the colour of the tunic worn by its pupils, was founded in 1688 in Duck Lane (now St Matthew Street), Westminster.

The present building was erected in 1709 at the expense of William Green, a prominent local brewer to provide education for the poor. It remained a school until 1928.

School days

Close view of the statue of the Blewcoat Boy, standing in a niche on the front facade of the Blewcoat School, built 1709, and now the NT information centre and shop in London. © NTPL/Martin Trelawny

Distinctive uniforms inspired the name

Established with voluntary contributions in 1688, Blewcoat School was created to educate poor local boys. William Green leased this site from the Dean and Chapter of Westminster in 1709 for two shillings and sixpence a year and built the school we see today.

At first all pupils were boys, but in March 1713 it was decided to admit 20 girls; this number was increased until the attendance of girls was discontinued in 1876.

In 1899 it was passed to Christchurch National Schools and Blewcoat continued to house their Infants School up until 1928.

More recently

  • During World War II, the school was used by the Forces as a store
  • The Girl Guides used it for a few years
  • A fund set up by Major Benton-Fletcher enabled us to aquire it in 1954
  • 1974, saw a generous donation that allowed for much needed repairs
  • It became full time shop in 1987...
  • ...until Oct 2011 when it became a coffeehouse and bookshop