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The Great Schools of England: St. Paul's School, east end of St. Paul's Churchyard, 1862. 'This ancient and still flourishing foundation, though in some respects taking rank below a few of its competitors, has strong claims to preeminence over most of them, since not only was it one of the first really free schools established in England, but its establishment was solely due to the desire of a great scholar and enlightened Christian for the diffusion of pure doctrines in religion and learning...The ancient school shared in the great conflagration of 1666, and was rebuilt by the Mercers' Company in 1670. The present structure...was designed and erected by George Smith, Esq., the architect of the Mercers' Company, in 1826...The ancient schoolroom was on a level with the churchyard, the modern one is built over the playground. It is of fine proportions, and has several new classrooms adjoining, upon a plan devised by the present High Master. At the south end of this noble apartment, above the High Master's chair, is a bust of the founder, by Roubilliac, where, as we learn from the letters of Erasmus, originally stood an image of the child Jesus, to whom the school was dedicated'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862. The Great Schools of England: St. Paul's School - the schoolroom, 1862. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/THE PRINT COLLECTOR)