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Reigate Grammar School (RGS) was founded in 1675 through a single act of generosity. Henry Smith (a successful London merchant and Alderman) bequeathed £1,000 to the parish of Reigate in his Will to be used for relief those less fortunate and to educate the ‘poor boys’ of Reigate
This act of philanthropy ignited a chain of events, akin to a butterfly effect, which continues to have an impact on Reigate and the surrounding area almost 350 years later.
Little is known about the great philanthropist, Henry Smith. He was born in Wandsworth in 1548 and went on to accumulate great wealth through the acquisition of land and estates throughout the City of London and the South of England. It is said that he visited towns within these areas and if they kind to him, recognised them later in his Will with a legacy.
In 1675 RGS was founded to educate poor boys in reading, writing and simple calculations and what is remarkable is that the school remains to this day upon its original site.
2025 will see Reigate Grammar School’s 350 anniversary. Please join us as we embark on a decade of philanthropic celebration with our Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign, uniting our community and setting us on the path to the next 350 years.
