-
Ibid., p. 12.
*(21) Hume's England.
*(22) Christ's Hospital or Blue Coat Scbool, 'the Noblest
Institution in the World.'
The ground on which the Priory of the Grey Friars stood was
conferred by Henry the Eighth on the Corporation of London (who caused
the institution there of a home for poor boys and girls).
Subsequently, Edward the Sixth caused the old Priory to be properly
repaired, and founded within it that noble establishment called the
Blue Coat School, or Christ's Hospital, for the education and
maintenance of orphans and the children of indigent persons.... Edward
would not let him (Bishop Ridley) depart till the letter was written
(to the Lord Mayor), and then charged him to deliver it himself, and
signify his special request and commandment that no time might be lost
in proposing what was convenient, and apprising him of the
proceedings. The work was zealously undertaken, Ridley himself
engaging in it; and the result was, the founding of Christ's
Hospital for the Education of Poor Children. (The king endowed several
other charities at the same time.) 'Lord God,' said he, 'I yield
thee most hearty thanks that thou hast given me life thus long, to
finish this work to the glory of thy name!' That innocent and most
exemplary life was drawing rapidly to its close, and in a few days
he rendered up his spirit to his Creator, praying God to defend the
realm from Papistry.- J. Heneage Jesse's 'London,its Celebrated
Characters and Places.'
In the Great Hall hangs a large picture of King Edward VI seated
on his throne, in a scarlet and ermined robe, holding the scepter in
his left hand, presenting with the other the Charter to the kneeling
Lord Mayor.
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