New Museum of London display celebrates 500-year history of Christ’s Hospital

A new exhibition celebrating the impact of London’s first orphanage and school over the past 500 years has opened.

Bluecoats in the City highlights the vital work carried out by Christ’s Hospital since it was founded in 1552 to offer impoverished children food, lodging and an education.

The Museum of London’s new display delves into the story of its creation, the iconic uniforms and practices, and its centuries old relationship with the capital. 

Museum of London’s senior curator Hazel Forsyth said: “Christ’s Hospital has now educated, lodged, fed and clothed more than 45,000 children, thanks to donations from the City of London and charitable benefactors. 

“This display celebrates that unique relationship, with loan items from Christ’s Hospital and stories about some of its distinguished and influential pupils.”

Rapper Taio Cruz, journalist Bernard Levin and England fast bowler John Snow are among the school’s alumni.

Christ’s Hospital museum curator Laura Kidner said: “Bluecoats in the City explores the extraordinary and diverse history of one of the oldest schools in England. 

“More than 30 intriguing objects present a thematic display, bringing to life our early London roots, before the school moved to Horsham, West Sussex in 1902. There it continues its original mission as the leading charitable boarding school for bursaries and as a pioneer of social mobility in Britain today. Of our 890 pupils, 75 per cent receive a free or fee-assisted boarding place.’

Bluecoats in the City runs until 7th October.

Group visits to the museum

Enhance your trip by booking a curator talk or tour around the various galleries. There are also behind-the-scenes visits to the world’s largest archaeological archive. Rates are available for groups of 10 or more. 

The Museum of London is open daily from 10am to 6pm with free entry.

Contact 020 7001 9844 or visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk for more information.