Preliminary Observations-Origin of Monastic Institutions in Britain—Almost total

destruction of them in the Danish Invasion-Their restoration by King Edgar-

Dunstan Changes introduced at the Conquest-Declining reputation of Monachism

under Henry III.-Obvious reasons of this declension-Appearance of the Men-

dicant Orders in England-Their growing popularity-Deviation from their original

strictness-Orders of St. Francis and St. Dominic-Distinguishing Name and Habit

of the Grey Friars-Their arrival in England-Settlement of a part of the fraternity

in London-John Iwyn-Foundation of the Convent in London-Erection of the

Conventual Church-Whittington's Library-Eminent Members of the Order-

Observants Nuns of St. Clare-Conventual Magnificence of the Metropolis-Dis-

solution of the Monasteries-Unjustifiable proceedings of the Commissioners-

Destruction of Libraries-Cranmer-Henry's real motives-Conduct of the Fran-

ciscans-The Maid of Kent-Friars Peto, Elstow, and Robinson-Suppression of

the Observants-Surrender of the Convent of Grey Friars in London-Desecration

of the Church-Sale of the Monuments-Persons of note there buried-Some effects

of the Dissolution-Increase of Mendicity-Appropriation of the Monastic Revenues

-Letter of Sir Richard Gresham to the King-Grant of the Convent, &c. to the

City-Endowment of the Parish of Christ-Church...

CHAPTER II.

Death of Henry VIII.—The birth and early education of Edward VI.—His superior

acquirements-Cardan's character of the young King-His journal-Lord Orford's

estimate of his talents-His political and general character-His zeal for religion—

Anecdotes-Ridley's Sermon at Westminster-Its effect upon the King-The

Bishop's ejaculation-Lever's Sermon (note)—The King's Letter to Lord Mayor

Dobbs-Consultation thereon-Proposal for the foundation of three Hospitals-

Grant of the Convent of Grey Friars by Henry VIII. confirmed-Further grant of

linen-Bridewell-Ridley's Letter to Sir William Cecyl-Charter granted-The

young King's prayer-The Savoy-Death of Edward VI.-Opening of Christ's

Hospital-First appearance of the Children in public-Presentation of the Charter

-Holbein's Picture-Malcolm's criticism thereon-Joint and local government of

b

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the Hospitals-Curious black letter document-Ridley's eulogium of Sir Richard

Dobbs and Sir George Barnes-Portrait of Dobbs-State of Education in London

before the dissolution of Religious Houses-Scholastic disputations on St. Bar-

tholomew's Eve-Anxiety of the Corporation to bring the Hospital into notice-

Origin of the Spital Sermons and Easter festivities-Dress of the Boys-Tradition

respecting it-Remarks-The Cock of Westminster-Corporation grants - Pro-

gressive state of the Institution ...

CHAPTER III.

Premonition-Provision for the poor before the Statute of 43 Eliz.-Parochial Col-

lections-Specific objects of Christ's Hospital-Inquiries respecting women with

Child-These gradually discontinued-Falling off in the Inquest boxes-Poverty of

the Hospital-Stat. 14 Eliz. respecting Legacies-Money-boxes in the Cloisters-

Symonds' and Randall's Gifts-Early regulations respecting the admission and edu-

cation of Children-Apprentices-Evident distinction in the objects of the Hospital

-Admission at the request of Benefactors-for pay-in accordance with the wills

of Benefactors—Present inadequacy of such gifts-Dependence of the Hospital on

benefactions and bequests-Cession of Chartered Estates-Amount of Donations

and Legacies up to the year 1600-Continued Embarrassments-Loan-Restricted

admissions Security required for the discharge of Children at the proper age-

Right of the Court of Aldermen to send children questioned-Rising prospects of

the House-Early Benefactors-Lady Mary Ramsey-Her five advowsons-Present

amount and disposition of her bequests-Exhibitions at the University-Early

instances Gift of Serjeant Moses-First Establishment of a Writing School-The

Grammar and Pettite Schools-Nature of the Education-Public reputation of the

School-Interest taken in its welfare by Lady Mary Ramsey-Increase in the

number of Children-Children put out at Nurse-Place house at Ware-Establish-

ment at Broxburn-Excess of expenditure above revenue-Causes thereof-Conse-

quence of the early modes of admission-Suspended admission-Assistance received

from the citizens after the Great Fire-Qualifications of Children to be admitted—

Original form of Presentation-Fixed Regulations for the future-Provisions for the

different orders of Governors-Dissatisfaction caused thereby-Privileges of the

Court of Aldermen-Rules confirmed-Recapitulation

CHAPTER IV.

Foundation of the Royal Mathematical School-Grant of the Charter by King

CHARLES II. Its inefficient endowment-Further grant obtained by Mr. Pepys

Mr. Colwal's gift-Sir Jonas Moore-His system of Mathematics-Death of

Mr. Perkins, Master of the School-Inefficiency of his successors-Interest taken

by Mr. Pepys in the welfare of the School-His Letter to the Treasurer-Munificent

bequest of Mr. Henry Stone-Letter of Mr. Pepys to the General Court-Sir John

Moore's reply-Reluctant explanation of the Court-Impediments thrown in the

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55

way of an examination of the children-Proposed disposition of Mr. Stone's gift-

Resignation of Mr. Pagett-Election of his successor Sir Isaac Newton-Prospects

of Improvement-Perverse opposition of the Treasurer-Mr. Pepys' sentiments

thereon-A Royal Visitation threatened-Mr. Pepys appointed Treasurer-Illness

of Sir John Moore-Mr. Pepys elected Vice-President-Correction of abuses-Set-

tlement of Stone's gift-The Twelves-Royal Badge-Stone's Badge-Presentation

of the King's Boys at Court-The King's Ward-Exclusive character of the boys-

Their advanced age-Mr. William Wales elected Master-Disorganised state of the

School-Strict discipline of the New Master-His character and success-Con-

tinued exclusiveness of the King's Boys-Ludicrous instance, and disastrous con-

sequences thereof-Dissolution of the King's Ward-Stock's Gift-The Twos

Extract from the will of Mr. Stock-Badge-Travers' School-List of Mathematical

Masters

Page

77

CHAPTER V.

Munificence of Sir Robert Clayton-His severe illness-Destructive effects of the Fire

of London-Projected re-erection of the south front of the Hospital-Death of

Mr. Morrice-Sir Robert's wish to keep his charity secret-Reasons which led to

its discovery-Estimate and cost of the building-Inscription over the gate-way-

Character of Mr. Firmin-His monument-Dilapidated state of the Great Hall-

Sir John Frederick-Description of the Hall, as rebuilt by him-The Organ-

Associations connected with the Old Hall-Its demolition in 1827-Spital Sermons

-Dr. Parr-Easter processions-The Lord Mayor's annual donation - Easter

Anthems-A curious old one-A beautifully illuminated Hymn in the Hospital

Archives-Public Suppers-Their early institution-Changes in the time of their

celebration, and mode of admission to them-Order of the Ceremony-St. Matthew's

day-The Sermon at Christ's Church-The Speeches-Collection for the speakers-

Customs still observed on this occasion-Relics of the Old Hall-Benefactions at

the period of its erection-Mismanagement of Mr. Treasurer Hawes-Great increase

in the number of Children-Insufficient accommodation at Ware and Broxbourne-

The Place House-Subscription set on foot for building a larger establishment at

Hertford-Completion and cost of the new Edifice-Gallery for the children in

All-Saint's Church, Hertford-Sir John Moore-His Writing School-Estimate and

cost-Ceremony of opening it-The inscription under his Statue-Singular marriage

of a Blue-coat Boy and Girl-Amount of Benefactions between 1600 and 1700-

Gifts of Fowke, Garway, West, Guy, and others-Disputes between the Hospital

and the Parish of Christ Church-Revised regulations respecting the admission of

children of advanced age, and the limitation of non-free presentations-Further

revision of the regulations of 1676-Comparative view of ancient and modern quali-

fications for admission-Singular bequest of James St. Amand, Esq.-Erroneous

notion respecting the portrait of his grandfather-Extract from his will-Ancient

custom of addressing the Sovereign on his first appearance in the City-Presentation

of the children to James II.-Verrio's great Picture-Address presented to George

III. and Queen Charlotte, in St. Paul's church-yard-Intended addresses to the

Prince Regent, in 1814, and to William IV. in 1830-A reading school established

-Removal of the Girls to Hertford-Benefaction of John Stock, Esq.-Alarming

incident during the riots in 1780...

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... 101

CHAPTER VI.

Differences of opinion respecting the chartered rights of the Corporation of London-

Original joint government of the four Royal Hospitals-The Charge of every
Go-

vernor in general-General Courts-Courts of each Hospital respectively-Com-

mittees Discontinuance of the office of Comptroller General, and Surveyor General

-Presidents first appointed-Early mode of Election-Articles of agreement of

1782-Their confirmation by Act of Parliament-Present Government of Christ's

Hospital-Chartered, Benefaction, and Nomination Governors-Mode of Election-

Charge-Presentations-Exclusive privileges-Election of Mr. Boyer to the Upper

Mastership Academical Reputation of his Pupils-His character drawn by the

poet Coleridge-First Establishment of a Grammar School at Hertford-Formation

of an English Library-General Library-The old Grammar Schools-Bequest of

John Smith, Esq.-The Grammar Schools of 1793-The New Grammar and Mathe-

matical Schools-Unprecedented admission in the year 1799-Improvement in the

System of Education-Rev. A. W. Trollope appointed Head Grammar Master—

Success of his Pupils-Inscription on a piece of plate presented to him by the

Governors-Dilapidated state of the Hospital-Public subscription for the Esta-

blishment of a building fund-Manifestation of a turbulent spirit among the boys-

Institution of a Sunday Evening Lecture-Anxiety of the Governors respecting the

admission of children-Revision of the Regulations in 1809-Officious interference

of Alderman Waithman and others-Statement of alleged cases of abuse-Proceed-

ings in Chancery-Evidence adduced before Mr. Brougham, and the Education

Committee Result of the inquiry-Sale of Presentations-Sir W. Curtis elected

President-His feast to the boys on the occasion-Increasing reputation of the Hos-

pital Scholars at the University-Presentation of the Head Master with the degree

of Doctor in Divinity

129

CHAPTER VII.

Defects in the system of Education-Appointment of an Education Committee―Their

Report-Its adoption by the Court-Resignation of the Rev. L. P. Stephens-His

character and services-Addition to the number of Masters-Further improvement

in the plan of Education-Regulations for the management of the Grammar School

-Rapid decay of the Building-Committee appointed for the superintendence of

the Building Fund-Appearance of Ophthalmia among the children-Lavatory

erected-Single beds-New Infirmary-Infrequency of Death among the children

-Imposing solemnity of a funeral-Enduring friendship of Christ's Hospital boys-

Amicable Society of Blues-Benevolent Society of Blues-Dinner on Founder's

Birth day-Resignation of Mr. Treasurer Palmer-Sketch of his character and ser-

vices-Election of Thomas Poynder, Esq. to the Treasurership-Commencement of

rebuilding-Ceremony of laying the first stone of the New Hall-Inscription plate

-Prayer used upon the occasion-A Blue elected Greek Professor at Cambridge-

Resignation and Death of the Rev. Dr. Trollope-Inscription on the Vase which

had been presented to him by his pupils-Appointment of his successor-Addition

to the number of Exhibitions to the University-Ceremony of opening the New Hall

-Prayer used on the occasion-Buildings recently completed

CHAPTER VIII.

System of Education pursued in Christ's Hospital in early times not to be ascertained

-Plan at present pursued-Upper Grammar School-Grecians-Deputy Grecians

-Great and Little Erasmus-Selection of Scholars for the University-Scheme of

Lessons in the two higher Classes-Anomalous constitution of the head Class-

Eminence attained by Deputy Grecians-Adaptation of the present system to its

proposed ends-Constitution of the Under Grammar Schools-Laborious duties of

the Masters-Day's work with each class-Writing School-Its original constitution

and importance-Extent of instruction there given-Specimens of Penmanship-

Spelling by dictation-Mathematical Schools-Proficiency acquired in the Under or

Travers' Department-Course of Nautical Education on King Charles's Foundation

-Drawing School-Mathematical Studies of the Grecians and Deputy Grecians-

System pursued at Hertford-Girls' Establishment-Half yearly Examinations-

Prizes-Rewards in the Grammar School-Donation to a Grecian on leaving the

Hospital Examination in Reading-Hertford Visitations-Private pupils-Restric-

tions upon the Masters-Inadequate compensation-Ecclesiastical Preferments—

Religious instruction-Office of Catechiser-Sunday Exercises-Markers-Religious

duties Attendance on Divine Service-Daily Devotions-Bishop Compton's Prayers

-Psalmody-Music Master-Choir and Chorus Boys-Vacations and Holidays-

August Holidays-Conditions of absence-Leaves-Tickets-Hours of Recreation-

Libraries-State of the Books in the Classical and Mathematical Libraries-The old

Observatory-Subsequent advantages to those educated in Christ's Hospital—Ap-

prentice-fees-Gifts

Page

153

181

CHAPTER IX.

Systems of Education estimated by their results-Living proofs of the efficacy of the

Christ's Hospital plan-Difficulties of cotemporary biography-Eminent blues of

former times-Doubts respecting Camden and Stilling fleet-Biographical Sketches:

-I. Edmund Campion. II. David Baker. III. John Vicars. IV. Joshua Barnes.

V. James Jurin. VI. Jeremiah Markland. VII. Thomas Fanshaw Middleton-

List of Grecians from the Foundation

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202

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