Step back in time and envision a grand schoolhouse, its walls whispering tales of centuries past. This is The Coopers’ Company & Coborn School, a beacon of education standing proudly in the heart of Upminster. Imagine a 16th-century Londoner, Nicholas Gibson, a prosperous grocer, who dreamed of providing education for those less fortunate. In 1536, he established the Nicholas Gibson Free School, a haven for sixty young boys. It flourished, becoming a testament to Gibson’s legacy. Generations later, another generous soul, Prisca Coborn, a brewer’s widow, followed in Gibson’s footsteps, establishing a school for both boys and girls in 1701. Though these schools were initially separate, their destinies intertwined in 1891, forming what we know today as The Coopers’ Company & Coborn School. The school has journeyed through many locations, finally finding its home in Upminster in 1971. Today, the school is a bustling hub of learning, showcasing exceptional achievements in performing arts and sports. With a capacity of over 1,400 students, the school is oversubscribed due to its reputation for excellence. Standing here before this magnificent institution, one can’t help but feel a connection to its rich history, a legacy of dedication and a commitment to shaping young minds for generations to come.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service