On 26 March 1862, the Times newspaper carried news of one man's extraordinary financial gift, "which will for ever place his name among the chief benefactors of this capital."
The benefactor was our founder, George Peabody.
The banker, diplomat and philanthropist wanted to tackle the poverty he saw around him in his adopted home of London.
His sense of social justice led him to make a substantial financial donation, setting up the Peabody Donation Fund. His vision was to:
"ameliorate the condition of the poor and needy of this great metropolis and to promote their comfort and happiness."
In 2012, 150 years later, George Peabody's remarkable legacy is evident throughout London.
Peabody now owns and manages more than 19,000 properties in the capital. Together with our community programmes, we are continuing our mission:
- to make London a city of opportunity for all by ensuring as many people as possible have a good home, a real sense of purpose, and a strong sense of belonging.
None of this would be possible without George Peabody.
We have a programme of events to celebrate our 150th anniversary and we'll be publishing a full list over the next few weeks.
For a preview of what to expect,
please download this document. It charts our history, contains a foreword from our Chair, some Peabody facts and figures and some 150th anniversary event details.
Please keep checking our homepage for news, or email
celebrate150@peabody.org.uk if you would like to get involved.
Also in the news:
Crown Estate residentsLondon Well-being Conference 2012: Better Together
