FOUNDATION OF THE CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL

WYON, Benjamin: England, 1834, Silver, 58 mm
Obv: West front view of City of London School    CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL
Exergue: FOUNDED BY THE CORPORATION 1834 ; at left,   J.B.BUNNING ARCH.
Rev: Knowledge, seated, instructing a youth, resting on a tablet inscribed:   IOHN CARPENTER, 1447; below, symbols of learning; around:   FOR THE RELIGIOUS & VIRTUOUS EDUCATION OF BOYS & THEIR INSTRUCTION IN LITERATURE & USEFUL KNOWLEDGE
Signed: B. WYON F
Mintage: 350 struck in bronze; rare in silver
Ref: Welch 4; BHM 401/1680; Eimer 155/1279; Eidlitz 29/159

John Carpenter, the founder of the school, was the Town Clerk of the City of London in the reign of Henry V. He rose in stature, eventually becoming a member of Parliament. In his will Carpenter endowed funds from which originated the City of London School in order to provide for food, apparel and learning for poor children. The establishment of the City of London School itself occurred in 1834, under the architectural direction of James Bunstone Bunning, who was also the architect of the New Coal Exchange.  A new City of London School was opened in 1882. 

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