Although original documents relating to pupil admissions are held at the London Metropolitan Archives in London, the museum team at the school has access to these records and is pleased to answer enquiries, especially those relating to family history. They have access to extensive records back to the 16th century, often including copies of birth and marriage certificates. An 80 year rule restricts the detail that can be provided about more recent Old Blues. There is no charge for this service, but donations are invited for successful research.
The photograph here was sent to us as unidentified, with only the photographer’s address on it and one or two possible surnames for the boy. Nevertheless, we were able to name the pupil as William Marr, born 1845, at Christ’s Hospital from 1852 to 1859. His father applied to the school in March 1852, reporting that he had a wife and nine children, ‘the eldest having just left Christ’s Hospital, and for whose education and maintenance during 5 years he offers his grateful acknowledgement’. Given one photograph, we not only identified William, but also found information about his older brother, named George, born in 1837, at Christ’s Hospital from 1847 to 1852.
Our collections are also extensive and enable us to answer most questions about the history of Christ’s Hospital, whether at Hertford, Newgate Street in London, or now at Horsham in Sussex.
Please email enquiries to: chmuseum@christs-hospital.org.uk