Over 180-year legacy of supporting vulnerable children
Reedham Children’s Trust was founded from a belief that vulnerable children need care, education, stability and opportunity to build better futures.
Founded from the vision of Reverend Dr Andrew Reed.
Established in 1844.
Royal patronage spanning more than 170 years, from 1851 to 2022.
Reedham Orphanage became known as "the Home on the Hill".
Today, Reedham supports vulnerable children and young people in Croydon.
OUR STORY
Reedham Children’s Trust developed from the vision of Reverend Dr Andrew Reed,
one of the great Victorian philanthropists. He recognised that disadvantaged children
needed more than food, shelter and care. They also needed education, stability and
the chance to develop the skills that could help them build a better future.
In 1844, the Asylum for Fatherless Children was founded. As the number of applicants
grew, the original Richmond house was soon outgrown. A new purpose-built
orphanage later opened in the Surrey Hills, now Purley, and became known as
Reedham Orphanage and “the Home on the Hill”.
Reedham’s work has changed over time as society, education and social care have
changed. The orphanage later became Reedham School, before closing in early 1980
and its buildings being demolished shortly after. The money raised from the sale of
the land helped establish Reedham Children’s Trust, allowing the charity to continue
supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children in a new form.
Today, Reedham continues Andrew Reed’s founding belief that care, education and
opportunity can transform a young person’s future. The charity now works through
schools, voluntary organisations, grassroots partners and community projects to
support vulnerable children, young people and families across Croydon.
ROYAL PATRONAGE
Reedham Children’s Trust has a historic relationship with the Royal Family that
extends back to 1851.
Queen Victoria became Reedham’s first Royal patron in 1851, and every reigning
monarch served as patron until the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II was Reedham’s patron from 1952 until 2022, making it one of her
longest charitable patronages.
During 70 years of patronage, Her Majesty took a close interest in the charity’s work
supporting vulnerable children and young people through education, recreation and
opportunity. Reedham was privileged to take part in Her Majesty’s 90th birthday
celebrations in 2016, and later to mark her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.
Reedham remains deeply honoured by this long association and by the charity’s
wider Royal history.
ANDREW REED'S VISION
Andrew Reed believed vulnerable children should be given more than basic care. His
approach placed education, stability and opportunity at the centre of support.
He also insisted that his orphanage was non-denominational, giving children the
opportunity to attend regardless of background. That inclusive approach remains
important to Reedham’s identity today.
Many charities and institutions founded by Andrew Reed continue to exist, and
Reedham Children’s Trust is one of them. His legacy also continues through his own
family, with Andrew Reed’s descendants remaining involved with the charity.
Today, Reedham aims to be as inclusive and innovative as its founder. Like Andrew
Reed, the charity believes that stability, care and education are vital in helping
children and young people build successful futures
FROM ORPHANAGE TO MODERN CHILDREN'S CHARITY
Reedham’s role has changed many times across its 180-year history.
It began with care and education for fatherless children. It later became Reedham
Orphanage, then Reedham School. After the school closed, Reedham Children’s Trust
continued the charity’s purpose in a new way, initially through grant-funded assisted
boarding school places for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people.
As social need changed, Reedham adapted again. The charity moved towards
professional monitoring, broader support beyond school and, more recently,
partnership-led projects across Croydon.
The current focus is on practical, emotional and inspirational support for vulnerable
children, young people and families. Reedham now works with schools, voluntary
organisations and grassroots partners to support young people through projects
linked to education, confidence, wellbeing, food, safe spaces, youth homelessness
prevention and youth innovation.
REEDHAM AND CROYDON
Reedham is closely connected to place.
The charity believes it may be one of the few charities in the UK to have given its
name to a whole location. Reedham Station opened in 1911, and the surrounding area
became known as Reedham.
That local identity still matters. Today, Reedham Children’s Trust is focused on
vulnerable children, young people and families in Croydon. Its history is rooted in
Purley and Reedham, but its current work reaches across the borough through
schools, community organisations and local partnerships.
ARCHIVES, ALUMNI AND HERITAGE
Reedham’s history includes former pupils, staff, families, photographs, records and personal memories gathered over many generations. The Reedham Old Scholars Association, known as ROSA, helps old scholars, friends and other interested people keep in touch and explore Reedham’s long history. Reedham’s heritage material also refers to the Reedham School Digital Archives, which include photographs and records from school life across many years. The wider Reedham archive is currently being catalogued by London Metropolitan Archives. Enquirers can contact London Metropolitan Archives directly for appointment-only access to the collection. Users need to sign up for a free History Card to access original items.
LEGACY IN ACTION TODAY
Reedham's history is important, but it is not the end of the story. The charity's current work continues the founding purpose in a modern context. Reedham supports vulnerable children and young people in Croydon through local projects, practical help and trusted partnerships.
That includes:
• Youth hub-based programmes.
• Support for young people at risk of school exclusion or social isolation.
• Safe spaces, meals, mentoring and life skills.
• Support for young refugees and families in emergency accommodation.
• Youth homelessness prevention. The Youth Innovation Fund.
• Partnership work through the Croydon Youth Consortium.
The methods have changed. The purpose remains recognisable: helping children and young people access the support, education, stability and opportunity they need to thrive.
HOW YOU CAN HELP CONTINUE THE LEGACY
Reedham's story has been shaped by people who chose to support vulnerable children and young people
You can help continue that legacy by:
• Becoming a Croydon Children’s Champion.
• Fundraising for Reedham.
• Becoming a corporate partner.
• Supporting a Reedham project.
• Leaving a gift in your Will.
• Sharing Reedham’s work with others.
JOIN ALUMNI
ROSA (Reedham Old Scholars Association)
ROSA helps old scholars, friends and other interested parties to keep in touch with one another and to keep abreast of Reedham news and events.
Browse through ROSA’s website where you will find reminders of the long history of Reedham School, some memories, good, bad, happy or sad, and perhaps find links to old friends.
Delve into 160 years of history in the Reedham School Digital Archives.
We hope very much that you will enjoy viewing the photographs and records.
If you recognise a face that you can put a name to, or perhaps have a story to tell, please contact Rosa
We would love to hear from you!
FAQ
When was Reedham founded?
Reedham’s origins go back to 1844, when the Asylum for Fatherless Children was founded by Reverend Dr Andrew Reed.
Who was Andrew Reed?
Reverend Dr Andrew Reed was a Victorian philanthropist who believed vulnerable
children needed care, education, stability and the chance to develop skills for the
future.
What was Reedham Orphanage?
Reedham Orphanage was a purpose-built orphanage in Purley, opened in 1858. It became known as “the Home on the Hill”.
Why is the area called Reedham?
Reedham Station opened in 1911, supporting transport to the orphanage. The
surrounding area became known as Reedham
Was Queen Elizabeth II Reedham's patron?
Yes. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Reedham’s patron from 1952 until her death
in 2022.
What happened when Reedham School closed?
Reedham School closed in early 1980. The buildings were later demolished and the
money raised from the sale of the land was used to establish Reedham Children’s
Trust.
Does Reedham still support children today?
Yes. Reedham Children’s Trust supports vulnerable children, young people and
families in Croydon through practical help, local partnerships and youth projects.
Can I access Reedham's archive?
The wider archive is being catalogued by London Metropolitan Archives. Access is by appointment and users need a free History Card to access original items.
Continue Reedham's story
If you would like to support Reedham, discuss a partnership, ask
about the archive or contact the team, please get in touch.
Reedham Children's Trust, 23 Old Lodge Lane, Purley, Surrey, CR8 4DJ
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