The original Blue Coat School in Basingstoke was founded by a man called Richard Aldworth, who was born around 1576 in Reading. When he was a young boy, he was apprenticed to the Skinners’ Company, originating from the medieval guild of furriers from the 1320s.

In later life, Aldworth became a merchant, importing goods from the East India company. He lived all his life in London and became a very wealthy man. In his will dated 1646, he left very generous bequests amounting to around £1 million in today’s money.

Among his gifts was a substantial amount for Christ’s Hospital School in London and money to fund two Bluecoat schools – one in Reading, which survives at Sonning, and the other in Basingstoke. His connection to Basingstoke was through his mother, Jane South. She was the daughter of Clement South, who had been a member of the Fraternity or Guild of the Holy Ghost in the town as well as town bailiff.

The bequest to Basingstoke was £2,000 at the time. It was sufficient to build a school on Cross Street where 10 poor boys would be housed, fed, clothed and educated. At the age of 16, the boys became apprentices. While in school they wore a blue coat, probably a long gown, and a blue cap. The school opened in around 1640 and in 1820, an extension was built to accommodate extra students. Sadly, however, the school closed due to bankruptcy in the late 1800s and the building was demolished in 1966.

Coincidentally, a new school on Western Way was built in 1963 and, as a fitting tribute to the Blue Coat School, it was deemed that it should be named after its founder, Richard Aldworth. The original stone plaque from 1646 was built into the entrance of the school and a portrait of Richard Aldworth’s takes pride of place in the TBCS staffroom on Western Way to this current day. It is a proud heritage and one that South Farnham Education Trust (SFET) is committed to upholding for many more years to come.

A sincere thank you to Debbie Reavell from the Basingstoke Heritage Society for her invaluable assistance with this piece.