Christ's Hospital was established in 1552, originally in the City of London, to offer education and hospitality to poor children and orphans.
"Edward VI was so moved by a sermon of Bishop Ridley concerning the plight of the great poverty-
Christ’s Hospital is committed to providing a first class education to talented boys and girls from a broad social and financial background by offering eligible parents/guardians means-
John and Frances West had strong family connections with Newbury, Reading, Twickenham and the City of London. Children from these areas especially "founders kin" who are collateral descendants of John or Frances West as registered on a family pedigree kept at the school, could benefit considerably from the West's Gifts.
The pupils enjoy an education of outstanding quality and the school is renowned for its music, drama, art and sport for which the facilities are excellent. The distinctive "bluecoat" uniform is worn by all pupils.
The Band wearing the bluecoat uniform
Head Master of Christ's Hospital, Simon Reid encourages West families to find out more,
"If you would like to learn more about the unique opportunities that we can offer your son or daughter, please contact our Admissions Team on 01403 246555 for an invitation to attend one of our termly Open Mornings and to discover the unique opportunity we offer West descendants through the West's Gift. We look forward to welcoming you to our remarkable school."
The West Registers, (aka "The Standard Pedigrees") held at Christ's Hospital were compiled in 1908 by a father and son team who sorted through all the papers claiming kinship to John or Frances WEST. They assembled the resulting family trees into 4 volumes each with a semi-
Visit the Christ's Hospital website for a general overview about the school and admission.
Stained glass window depicting the 19th Century School Buildings on the Greyfriars site
This watercolour, by Arthur Ellis, shows the 1836 Grecians Cloister, the central arch of which was brought to Horsham and now forms the outside halves of the archways to the main quadrangle. In the background are the two Wren spires of Christ Church and St Paul’s.
Income from the assets of the West fund currently supports means-