Heritage Tours with Bryan Biggs at Bluecoat

People often cite the infamous Tony Wilson quote ‘This is Manchester, we do things differently here.’ However, it could be argued that Liverpool has always been a place to do things so differently, it doesn’t feel the need to brag about it. It’s a city which is no stranger to firsts, to socially motivated change and to radical use of space for the public good. Nowhere is this history better preserved than in the story of Bluecoat. The vibrant arts centre was the first ever public centre dedicated exclusively to the arts in the UK, but lived a full life before reaching its current purpose. Explore the building with Director of Cultural Legacies and charismatic tour guide Bryan Biggs, in a series of heritage tours of the site. 

Opening originally as a Bluecoat school, this building was home to a charity school which educated, housed and generally looked after orphaned and destitute children. So called Bluecoat schools acquired their names from the distinctive uniform worn by the children. Hear stories of the people who’ve called this place home, seen it as a vital resource in the middle of the city and used its characterful physicality to create amazing art work. Over the course of the tour you’ll hear about the 300+ years of history embedded into the walls of Bluecoat. 

The tours are part of Heritage Open Days, a community led festival of history and culture taking place all over the UK. Sites of historical and cultural significance are inviting visitors in for one off experiences like these tours, totally for free. In each tour spaces are limited so it’s essential to book a free ticket in advance to guarantee your spot.  

Take a deep dive into a building with a history that tells the story of a city as well as documenting the lives of the people who’ve used it.