Erected by Archbishop John Whitgift, after he had petitioned and received permission from Queen Elizabeth I to establish a hospital and school in Croydon. The premises provided accommodation for between 28 and 40 people, and included a nearby schoolhouse and schoolmaster's house. In 1923 the almshouses were threatened with destruction by various reconstruction plans and road-widening schemes, but were saved by intervention of the House of Lords. On 22nd of March each year, the laying of the foundation stone is commemorated as Founder's Day.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
