Definition of Aldworth science college

The School takes its name from Richard Aldworth, a wealthy London merchant, who's mother, Jane South, came from a prominent Basingstoke family involved in the wool trade. When he died in December 1646, he left money to Christ's Hospital, where he was a governor and to found and support Blue Coat Schools in Reading and Basingstoke. The School in Basingstoke opened around 1649 and closed in 1896 due to bankruptcy. Its building however survived until 1966 until it was demolished during the redevelopment of the town. It's site in Cross Street is now marked by a statue of a Blue Coat Boy