Our vision:
To see the legacy and values of Thomas Deacon impact the students of Thomas Deacon Academy in a positive and long-lasting way.
Thomas Deacon Foundation, formerly Deacon’s School Trust, is a charity with origins going back to Deacons School formation in 1722. The Foundation supports Thomas Deacon Academy by providing two governors to the academy committee and administers bequest scholarships to students.
Who was Thomas Deacon?
Thomas Deacon, born in 1651, was a local wealthy Wool Merchant and Philanthropist. Thomas Deacon became a Peterborough Feoffee (similar to today’s local councillor) in 1679. He was appointed as a Governor of the Town Estates in 1683.
He owned a number of properties within the City and surrounding area, including the New Manor, Longthorpe (Longthorpe Tower) which he acquired in 1701.
In 1704, Thomas was appointed High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, of which Peterborough was part of at the time. Thomas was married to Mary. Thomas Deacon died 19th August 1721 and is buried in Peterborough Cathedral.
Thomas Deacon bequeathed in his Will, dated 13 January 1719, that:
‘...My messuage and two freehold cottages and appurtenances the orchard, garden, yards and barns… assign my freehold farm… all profits from time to time and at all times for ever, however arising and proceeding…to be duly applied for the endowing and setting up of a school and schoolhouse in Peterborough… for teaching and instructing twenty poor boys…to read, write and cast accounts…’
On leaving they were given a £10 indenture to provide them with apprenticeships in local skilled trade, thus establishing the link between Deacon’s School and the local economy. A group of Trustees, known as the Feoffees, administered the Trust. The Thomas Deacon Foundation are their successors.
Download The Legacy of Thomas Deacon.
Today, the Thomas Deacon Foundation’s ethos is to promote the Legacy of Thomas Deacon by:
- always focusing on the needs of young people
- encouraging and achieving the best
- preparing students for today’s world
- advocating good citizenship
- retaining links with St John’s Church and Peterborough Cathedral
- assisting student social, spiritual and moral development and promoting best practice
We are always looking for passionate volunteers to help us achieve our vision and are like minded in ethos, if you think you could help is do this, do get in touch.
Keep in touch
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Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/ThomasDeaconFdn
Email us – hello@thomasdeaconfdn.org.uk
Website – www.thomasdeaconfdn.org.uk
