Blue Coat School marks 450th birthday of Richard Aldworth

Born around 1576 in Reading, Aldworth became a wealthy London merchant, importing goods from the East India Company, and left a lasting impact through his charitable works.

In his will, dated 1646, he left very generous bequests amounting to around £1m in today’s money.

Head boy and head girl mark Richard Aldworth's legacy and birthday. (Image: The Blue Coat School Basingstoke)

Aldworth's gifts included substantial support for Christ’s Hospital School in London and the funding of two Blue Coat schools, one in Reading - now at Sonning and another in Basingstoke.

His connection to Basingstoke came through his mother, Jane South, daughter of Clement South, a former town bailiff and a member of the town's Fraternity or Guild of the Holy Ghost.

His bequest of £2,000 led to the creation of the original Blue Coat School in Cross Street.

The school provided housing, food, clothing and education to 10 boys from poor families, who then became apprentices at age 16.

Students wore a blue coat - likely a long gown - and a blue cap.

Aldworth’s vision came to life around 1640, with the school operating for nearly 250 years.

Sadly, it closed due to bankruptcy in the late 1800s, and the building was demolished in 1966.

However, a new school in Western Way was constructed in 1963 and named in Aldworth’s honour as a fitting tribute to the Blue Coat School.

Senior students at the Bluecoat Boy statue. (Image: The Blue Coat School Basingstoke)

The 1646 stone plaque from the Blue Coat School was installed at the entrance, and a portrait of Aldworth still hangs in the staffroom today.

Claire Harnden MBE, chief executive officer of South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET), said: "We are immensely proud of the heritage that connects The Blue Coat School Basingstoke to Richard Aldworth.

"The original 1646 stone plaque set into the entrance, and Aldworth's portrait watching over the staffroom, are daily reminders of where we have come from and what we stand for.

"At South Farnham Educational Trust, we feel a genuine responsibility to carry that legacy forward, to keep aspiration, belonging and opportunity at the heart of everything The Blue Coat School offers.

"Our thanks go to Debbie Reavell and the Basingstoke Heritage Society for helping to keep this remarkable story alive.

"We look forward to honouring Richard Aldworth's vision for many years to come."

The modern Blue Coat School in Basingstoke continues to celebrate and build upon Aldworth’s legacy, placing aspiration, belonging and opportunity at the core of its educational philosophy.