The Foundation

The Sir John Moore Foundation is the custodian of an extraordinary heritage site: a Grade I listed building designed by Sir Christopher Wren, offering inspiration and opportunity to all who visit.

Between 1996 and 2004 the Trustees, Governors and the local community raised over £2m of funding and ‘rescued’ the building that has served as a place of education for over 300 years.

Sir John Moore made his fortune as a London merchant through the sale of lead mined in the Pennines to customers in England, Europe and Asia. Master of the Grocers Company in 1671 he was later a major shareholder and director of the East India Company, and a director of the Royal African Company for 4 years. Knighted in 1672 he was Lord Mayor of London in 1682. President of Christ’s Hospital School in the City of London he endowed its Writing School in 1695 and the Appleby School in 1697.

See more of the history of the building.

For more information please contact the Foundation Office.

office.manager@sirjohnmoore.org.uk

The Sir John Moore C of E Primary School

The site is also home to this successful village primary school, which currently has 144 pupils (as of March 2026) across five classes. For further details, please contact the Headteacher, Mr Wright, on 01530 270330. 

Sir John Moore Primary School

Working and living space

With a number of dedicated office units the Foundation provides a convenient location for businesses. The building also houses two residential apartments, including one in the original English Master's quarters.

Fundraising

The Trustees raise funds through a wide range of activities, including the rental of office space and apartments, weddings and private functions, educational programmes, and community use. All income generated is reinvested into the charity to support the ongoing care and maintenance of this Grade I listed building.

The Charity has been successful in obtaining grants from a number of sources and the trustees would like to thank all its supporters.

The Foundation is a registered charity (Registered Charity Number 510484)