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Monthly supplement of the penny magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, issue 26, July 31 to August 31, 1832

CHRIST CHURCH.

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The recent additions to the buildings of the hospital consist of the Hall, and the Mathematical and Grammar Schools. The Hall, built under the superintendence of Mr. Shaw, whose sudden and melancholy death excited the public regret a few weeks ago, is constructed of Haytor granite, in the pure Gothic style of architecture, having an embattled summit, adorned with pinnacles, and flanked at each extremity of the front by an octagon tower. The southern side of this building is seen through an iron railing from Newgate-street. An open arcade, used as a play-ground for the boys in wet weather, forms the lower story. The dining-hall occupies the upper story, and is a noble apartment, calculated to accommodate eight hundred scholars. It is 157 feet in length by 52 in breadth, and 47 in height. At the eastern end is a large organ, used to lead the hymns of the children. The western end is occupied by a gallery for the use of visitors; and against the north wall a pulpit is erected for prayer and exhortation. The walls are decorated by several fine pictures by Holbein, Verrio, and others, illustrative of the history of the place. To this hall the public are admitted by tickets every Sunday evening from the first Sunday in February to Easter, to witness the public suppers, as they are called, of the boys. Tickets may be obtained from any of the governors; and the sight is an extremely interesting one. The building was opened for public use on the 19th of May, 1829.

The Mathematical and Grammar Schools are contained in one building; of which the cut represents the southern front. It is constructed of yellowish brick with stone facings, in what is called the Tudor style of architecture, and from the designs of Mr. Shaw. A statue of Charles the Second ornaments the eastern wing. This building was opened for public use on Easter, 1832. The expense of the new hall, schools, and wards, are understood to be about £30,000.

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Illustration from Monthly supplement of the penny magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, issue 26, July 31 to August 31, 1832

[The Dining-Hall.]

Illustration from Monthly supplement of the penny magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, issue 26, July 31 to August 31, 1832

[The Mathematical and Grammar Schools.]

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