Bicester Blue Coat School

The school was set up in 1721, when some of the town's wealthier inhabitants pledged money in order to set up a Church School, with the aim of teaching reading and religion to children from poorer families. It operated from a building adjoining St Edburg's Church, known as 'The Free School House'. It was known as a 'Blue Coat' School due to the boys' distinctive uniform, which consisted of a blue coat, breeches and cap.

The school admitted around 30 students per year on average (sometimes more), and eventually, in 1861, it merged with the Bicester National School (which later became St Edburg's Primary School).

In October 1745, boys admitted into the school included:

John Coxil
Richard Creed
John Morgan
Edward Harris
Joseph Franklin
Abel Wichelo
Robert Parkins
Henry Tooley
William Pitts
David Parkins
John Spittle
Richard Cox
William Rofe
Thomas White
Jonas Hanway
William Dunkin
John Heritage
Thomas Kersey
Richard Pavier
Richard Tuffrey
John Edmonds
Joseph Eley
Thomas Ellis
Richard Timms
Thomas Honour
Edward Freeman
Harris Bowden
Jarvis Nix
William Butler
William King

Sadly, I couldn't find any photos from Bicester Blue Coat School, but I was able to find the lovely photograph below, showing boys attending another Blue Coat School in Birmingham in their smart new uniforms. The Bicester lads would've dressed in very similar attire!

If you've ever wondered why your ancestor was raised in a poor family, yet was able to sign their name on their marriage certificate/was in some way literate, then it is quite possible that they attended a Blue Coat School! Unfortunately, these institutions only served male children.

In 1871, the following children were admitted into the school:

SHEEP STREET:

1. John Hitchman

2. Jehu Day

 

HYDE'S YARD:

1. William Collins 

 

BERRY'S YARD:

1. William Harrison

 

BELL LANE:

1. Edward Plester 

 

NEW BUILDINGS:

1. Jesse Hancock

2. William Hawkins

 

CHAPEL STREET:

1. George Stone 

2. George Mansel 

3. Edward Box 

4. William Eaglestone 

5. William Banks

6. George Hawkins

 

CROCKWELL:

1. William Sirett 

2. William Baker

I have in my possession admission records to the school dating between 1745 - 1788, and 1860 - 1909; if you'd like me to look up any of your relatives, feel free let me know! Please note that earlier entries simply show a list of names, whereas later entries also include addresses. Some also have abbreviations beside their names, denoting various different things (please see second image below).