Bryan Blundell was a philanthropist and captain of 'The Mulberry' ship which transported a large number of slaves to Virginia, and was also the first ship to dock in the New Dock in Liverpool. Blundell is however most noted for the foundation of The Liverpool Blue Coat Hospital School in 1708, which was established by Blundell and his close friend, the Reverend Robert Stythe, the rector of Liverpool, to provide an education for orphans in Liverpool. Blundell also served twice as the Mayor of Liverpool in between 1721 and 1722 and 1728 and 1729, a position also held by his son Henry Blundell and his grandson Henry Blundell-Hollinshead.