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.
[Illustration: The Dining-Hall.]
[Illustration: The Mathematical and Grammar Schools.]
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