National School for Boys, Devizes
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A Master of the Schools is mentioned in 1322 and in 1619 a schoolmaster and schoolhouse are recorded. In 1642 it was said that the old school was unfit for use and a bequest was left to pay the schoolmaster. In the 18th century there were other charitable bequests for the education of small numbers of boys. In 1725 John Smith left £300 for a new school building, in Maryport Street, which was then called the Free School.
By the late 18th century it was said that most of the children of the town were attending schools. By 1838 there were 106 boys at the school and by 1844 it was being called the Blue Coat School while in 1846 there were 126 boys. In 1848 the school moved in with the infants in Sheep Street; the buildings being enlarged for them. In 1854 the school adopted the principles of the National Society and became the National School for Boys. The school received a good report in the 1850s and was enlarged again in 1857. In 1876 the school took in the boys from the Bear Club School and the building was once more enlarged.
By the late 18th century it was said that most of the children of the town were attending schools. By 1838 there were 106 boys at the school and by 1844 it was being called the Blue Coat School while in 1846 there were 126 boys. In 1848 the school moved in with the infants in Sheep Street; the buildings being enlarged for them. In 1854 the school adopted the principles of the National Society and became the National School for Boys. The school received a good report in the 1850s and was enlarged again in 1857. In 1876 the school took in the boys from the Bear Club School and the building was once more enlarged.
This seems to have been the limit of expansion on this site for in 1881 a new school was built on the site of the old Free School in Maryport Street. In 1893 boys from the closed British School were transferred here and in the early 20th century the building was said to be cramped and the teaching inefficient. In 1926 the school was closed when the new Southbroom School opened and the building was used as offices until its demolition in 1969.