Generations have come together to mark a significant milestone in the life of the John Whitgift Foundation.
On 22nd March 1596, Archbishop John Whitgift laid the first two Foundation Stones of the Hospital of the Holy Trinity, the building we now know as the Whitgift Almshouses. Every year, we pause on this date to remember that act of generosity, to celebrate the life of our founder, and to reflect on what his legacy means for Croydon today.
Our Founder’s Day Service took place at Croydon Minster on 20th March. Residents from Whitgift Care, students from Whitgift and Trinity Schools, and Foundation staff gathered in the same spirit of community and remembrance that has defined this occasion for over four centuries. We were joined by current and former governors, supporters and guests, including the Civic Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Richard Chatterjee.
Roisha Hughes, CEO of the John Whitgift Foundation, delivers a reading during the service
The Whitgift School Corps of Drums performed to welcome guests, with members of the Old Whitgiftians also joining the occasion. The sermon was delivered by the Very Reverend Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark Cathedral, and readings were given by Foundation CEO Roisha Hughes and Whitgift School Headteacher Toby Seth.
The voices of choristers from both Whitgift School and Trinity School filled the Minster while representatives from across the Foundation laid tokens of remembrance in honour of Archbishop Whitgift.
Wreaths lay beneath the tomb of John Whitgift in Croydon Minster
Following the service, the Founder’s Day lunch brought together governors, staff and residents at the Almshouses, while residents at Whitgift House also enjoyed a celebratory meal. As has been the custom for centuries, a member of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers presented cheques of the annual interest from Dr Barlow’s historic donation, faithfully honouring the wishes set out in his will.
As we mark 430 years since the first stones were laid, Founder’s Day is a reminder that the values of care, education and giving back that Archbishop Whitgift embedded into this community are as vital now as they have ever been.
