First Derry Presbyterian Church and The Blue Coat School Heritage Centre

About

Blue Coat School Heritage Centre comprises First Derry Presbyterian Church, a Listed Historic Building Grade B+ together with the former Blue Coat School building behind the Church initially established in 1773 as a school for boys who sang in the Church choir.

First Derry Presbyterian congregation has existed since around 1640 but the first Church on the present site was constructed in 1690, funded mainly by a gift from Queen Mary, wife of William of Orange, as a thank you to the Presbyterians who defended Derry during the 105-day Siege of 1689. The present Church underwent a comprehensive and sensitive restoration in 2010-2011 following discovery of extensive dry rot in the roof trusses.

The Church now has many unique architectural and ornamental features and it was announced in May 2011 at a large interdenominational service of thanksgiving that it was First Derry's intention to use this building and its special location not only as a place of worship but has a shared space accessible to all citizens with the aim of improving community relations.

As part of the 2010/11 refurbishment project the former Blue Coat School building behind the Church was reconfigured as a small museum and interpretive centre. Information panels and visual displays tell the story of the 17th century Plantation of Londonderry and how the Presbyterians have shaped the community and church we know today. When the Blue Coat School began in 1773 in the building behind the Church ten or twelve boys were selected for their voices and invited to lead the congregation in praise on Sundays. Their work as members of the choir was rewarded with free education in music and the "Three R's" They were supplied with boots, yellow stockings, breches, waistcoats, a hat and a blue coat. This distinctive uniform was where the name came from. In 1854 the Upper and Lower Lecture Halls were constructed and used as a Girls' School. Forty years later these buildings were proving to be too small and both girls and boys moved to a site on the Mall Wall presently occupied by the Verbal Arts Centre. First Derry School on the Mall Wall opened on 1st November 1894 to accommodate 450 children. This school finally closed in June 1995 and the pupils transferred to a new school in the Fountain Estate

VISITING THE HERITAGE CENTRE.

The Church and Blue Coat School are open for visitors each year from the beginning of May until the end of September between 11am until 4 pm. Visits for groups may also be arranged on request outside these periods. Entry is free but voluntary donations to support and develop the work of the heritage centre are very much appreciated. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet friendly and knowledgeable guides, explore the unique stunning architecture and features of our historic listed Church building and view the exhibits and displays in the Blue Coat School which uncover the Presbyterian story in our City from the 17th century Plantation until the present.

Audio visual information about location ,accessibility and key features may be found on our website at: www.firstderrybuecoatschool.com