Please note photos have been removed due to lack of hosting space.
The YMCA International Community Centre on Mansfield Road is housed in what was the Bluecoat Charity School. The school was founded in 1706 as the first charity school in Nottingham and classes were at first taught at St Mary’s Church and then in a building on High Pavement. They moved to the Mansfield Road Site, a building designed by Thomas Chambers Hine, in around 1853.
This plaque on the wall was brought from the High Pavement building and lists those who helped found the school.
Bluecoat schools got their name because of the blue uniforms worn by the pupils, blue traditionally being the colour of charity. In one corner high up outside you can see a statue of a boy in his uniform as below. There is also a statue of a girl in her uniform but the trees around the grounds have now grown so tall I couldn’t get a photo of her.
Bluecoat School is still a feature in the city – now based in Aspley and Wollaton.
Louise Jayne's Blog 