History

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Supporting Bath and North East Somerset for nearly 850 years
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For nearly eight and a half centuries, St John’s Foundation has been working to support the community of Bath and the surrounding areas.

It all began in 1174, when Bishop Reginald Fitzjocelyn established a medieval refuge, to provide food and shelter for the poor and vulnerable in his parish. Nine centuries later, the St John’s of today continues to provide accommodation and support. We are still evolving to deliver an even wider range of services that address the changing needs of our community.

Key periods in St John’s evolution make for fascinating reading:

2000s

We continue to spearhead an extensive modernisation programme to help improve accommodation and support residents to live as independently as possible, through providing state-of-the-art facilities.

1900s

St John’s provided critical post-war support in the wake of the devastation of two World Wars.

1800s

Electoral reform swept through the country and brought significant changes for Bath’s charities, including St John’s.

1500s

St John’s survived the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII and later received the support of Queen Elizabeth I to undergo improvements and development.

1100s

St John’s Hospital is founded by Bishop Reginald Fitzjocelyn after his appointment as the fourth Bishop of Bath.

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