The Great Schools of England: one of the dormitories at Christs Hospital School, 1862. Founded in the 16th century, Christs Hospital is one of the oldest boarding schools in England. It was originally set up as a charitable school to educate Londons poor children, and is unusual among British independent schools in that the majority of the students receive bursaries. Fees are paid on a means-tested basis. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.