Thomas Sutton’s reputation as the wealthiest commoner in England at the time of his death in 1611 was matched by the scale of the charity which he founded at the Charterhouse in Clerkenwell. It was the most lavishly endowed charity created between the Reformation and the eighteenth century, consisting of the largest almshouse ever founded in England and a school which developed into one of its leading public schools.
The royal connection established under James I has continued to the present day, its governors have been leading figures in church and state, and the Masters have included men who were eminent in their chosen field. The almshouse has been home to distinguished almsmen and the school has educated many boys who went on to distinguished careers.
This new history examines the Charterhouse’s significance as England’s leading charity and the support and opposition that it has attracted, against a background of the changing pattern of charitable care and the education of the young. And it portrays the colourful life of the community and the cast of characters connected with Thomas Sutton’s charity over the past four centuries.
THE AUTHOR
Stephen Porter, until his recent retirement, worked for over seventeen years for the Survey of London, a century-old project devoted to the history of London’s built environment.
He is head archivist for the London Charterhouse and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He has also lectured on the Civil War and the Great Fire of London at the Museum of London and held research posts at the University of Oxford.
After 25 years living in the capital he now lives in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
248 x 172 mm | paperback original | 176 pages | 100 illustrations | 30 colour illustrations
ALSO BY STEPHEN PORTER
COVER PRICE £ 14.99
