Blue Coat School Heritage Centre was incorporated as a limited Company, (NI656025) , on 28th September 2018 and became a registered Charity,(NIC107546),on 21st October,2020.

The Charity’s objectives include the following:

1.To tell the story of First Derry Presbyterian Church and the contribution which the Presbyterian community has made to the City and Region since the first Presbyterian Meeting House was established on the present site in 1690.

2.To explain the arrival of Presbyterians in North West Ulster in the 17th century, and the challenges they have faced over successive centuries.

3.To demonstrate through this work how the history, heritage and culture of the Presbyterian community can contribute to promoting peaceful relationships and building reconciliation in a divided society.

The Heritage Centre comprises premises at Upper Magazine St Londonderry which include First Derry Presbyterian Church and the former Blue Coat School building at the rear of the Church, first used as a school for Choirboys in 1773.

The Church 

First Derry Presbyterian congregation has existed since around 1640 but the first Church built on the present site was in 1690. This was 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 Siege of 1689.

The current building opened in 1780 with major alterations taking place in the 1800s including the sandstone façade and coffered pine ceiling.

From 1968 onwards the Church and its congregation suffered years of attack and vandalism. Nine members of the congregation lost their lives through terrorism.

In 1984 the Church suffered its worst damage with an arson attack which burnt through the ceiling, rafters and roof slates. The Church was closed in July 1984 for repairs and re-opened in February, 1986.

In the first decade of the 21st. century extensive dry rot and stone damage was discovered causing the closure of the Church in 2002. After an extensive and sensitive restoration the Church re-opened in 2011 with an interdenominational service of thanksgiving.

The Church, which is currently in excellent condition, is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of its members and now operates not only as a place of worship but as a shared space accessible to all with the aim of improving community relations.

First Derry Presbyterian Church is now a listed Historic Building Grade B+.

Blue Coat School Heritage Centre

The former Blue Coat school building behind the Church has been fitted out as a Heritage Centre.

Interpretation panels and visual displays tell the story of the 17th century Plantation of Londonderry and how Presbyterians have shaped the community and church we know today.

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, breeches, waistcoats, a hat a blue coat. This distinctive uniform was were the name came from.

In 1854 the Upper and Lower Lecture Halls were constructed and used as a Girls’ School and in 1894 both the boys and the girls school moved to the site currently occupied by the Verbal Arts Centre.

First Derry interest in Education was not limited to schools beside the Church. In the 19th century First Derry was involved in the establishment of schools at Racecourse Bog, Balloughry and Ballymagroarty. Magee College was founded in 1845 to educate Presbyterian Ministers. A large bequest of £20,000 by a Mrs .Magee, wife of a Presbyterian Minister, determined its name. In 1856 the foundation stone was laid and the College was opened in October,1865 with an initial enrolment of 26 students, presumably all Presbyterians. It is now part of the University of Ulster.