CHRIST'S HOSPITAL, Newgate street, London, was founded on the site of the Greyfriars' monastery, by Edward VI., June 26, 1553, as a hospital for orphans and foundlings. It is usually called the " blue-coat school," on account of the dress worn by the boys. This consists of a blue woolen gown or coat with a narrow red-leather girdle round the waist, yellow breeches, and yellow stockings, a clergyman's bands at the neck, and a small blue worsted cap, but this last they seldom wear, and are gen erally seen going about bareheaded—such has been the costume of the boys since the foundation of the school in the reign of Edward VI.; the persistency in it through suc cessive generations, affording a curious instance of the unchangeableness in some of the English usages. No boy is admitted before seven years of age, or after 10, and none can remain after 15, with the exception of "king's boys" (i.e., those who attend the mathe matical school founded by Charles II. in 1672) and " Grecians" (i.e., the highest class of scholars in the hospital), of whom eight arc sent on various. scholarships to the uni versities of Oxford and Carribridge. ,llto..etirer, abont P00 boys Can be admitted. The right of presentation is vested in the managing governors. These are the lord mayor Of London, the aldermen, and 12 common councilmen. Besides these, all noblemen and gentlemen who benefit the hospital to the extent of £400 are governors. The manag ing governors are the patrons of several churches, chiefly in Surrey and Essex. The
most of the income of C. II., which amounts to about N50,000, is derived from lega cies subsequent to its original charter. King Charles' foundation enriched it by ..-C7,000, with an additional annuity of £.370 108., for the purpose of educating yearly 10 boys for the sea-service. Most of the building perished in the great fire of 1666; but, through the generosity of the corporation of London, and the liberal help of wealthy Englishmen, it was soon rebuilt, under the superintendence of sir Christopher Wren. In the course of time, the new hospital fell into decay, and in 1825, a third structure was erected by Mr. Shaw. The great hall of the hospital is a magnificent room, second only to that of Westminster. C. II. is essentially- a classical institution, Latin and Greek being the basis of education; but, to satisfy the wants arising from the changed condi tion of society, the modern languages, drawing, etc., are also taught. In 1683, the gov ernors built a preparatory school at Hertford, where the children are trained till they are old enough to enter the hospital. The girls, however, remain permanently here. It eau receive about 400 of both sexes. Dependent schools in Newgate street accommo date 1200 children. Several eminent persons have been educated at C. II., such as Camden, Stillingfleet, Coleridge, and Lamb.