10 Jul 2007 - 275th Anniversary
The Bisley Blue Coat School was founded by John Taylor, a clothier of Stroud, who in his will of 1732 devised all his property in Upton St. Leonards to trustees, for the teaching of reading and writing to 10 poor Bisley boys (or more if there were surplus funds) and for clothing them. The trustees sold the estate at auction in 1863, investing the resulting money in consols.
The school was taken over by the Diocese in 1863 when Thomas Keble was pastor for the Parish. It was at this time that the Well Dressing Ceremony was introduced that still continues to this day.
The school was taken over by the Diocese in 1863 when Thomas Keble was pastor for the Parish. It was at this time that the Well Dressing Ceremony was introduced that still continues to this day.