Bluecoat School (National Trust)

The Bluecoat School, now a shop, was built in 1709, as indicated by the rainwater heads. This Grade I listed building features brown brick with red dressings and is a freestanding oblong structure with three bays on each side and two tiers of windows. The central bays are slightly set forward, and the corners are pilastered. The main entrance on Caxton Street has a fluted Doric pilastered porch, with a niche above that contains a statue of a Blue Coat Scholar. There is a segmental split pediment to the parapet with a clock below. The square-headed windows have flush framed sashes with glazing bars, gauged heads, and keystones. The building also features a brick dentil cornice and a parapet, with a subsidiary entrance on the west side. The other three sides of the building have similar architectural treatment. Inside, the space is tall and features pilasters and niches along the walls, an entablature, and a coved ceiling. Four fluted Corinthian columns mark the entrance, and there is a fireplace at the opposite end.