John Whitgift
In 1596 the Archbishop of Canterbury, John Whitgift, laid the first two foundation stones of the Hospital of The Holy Trinity. In the same year, just yards down the road, he opened a school.
Together, these two buildings would help him realise his vision to educate and care for the people of Croydon. This was his legacy, which lives on over 400 years later.
As one of the largest bursary providers in the country, we grant thousands of young people access to an outstanding education at our foundation schools – Old Palace, Trinity, and Whitgift – that many could not otherwise afford. Through our care homes and services, we give older people a true sense of community, comfort, and joy in later life.
Our charity supports people of all ages and backgrounds. While much has changed since 1596, the values John Whitgift stood for then are as relevant today as they ever were; perhaps even more so.