Local History

Sir William Purdie Treloar was the Lord Mayor of London in 1906.

He started an appeal to fund his vision that London children with non-pulmonary tuberculosis could recuperate in the country air, attend school and learn a trade so that they might later support themselves. 

This was a revolutionary idea at the time when young people with disabilities were marginalized by society but his dream and dedication led to the formation of The Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital and College in Alton, Hampshire in 1908. 

Sir William with his first patient

One hundred years on the fact that Treloar Trust which supports Treloar School and Treloar College is continuing to serve the changing needs of disabled young people, from all over the UK, is testimony to Sir William's original vision.

As part of the Trust's Centenary Celebrations which culminate over the weekend of the 13th/14th September the Treloar Trust is holding a sponsored walk - 'Pass the Pasty' - from Helston (the Treloar family home) to Alton in Hampshire (the current site of Treloar School and College) 100 years to the day the College and Hospital first opened their doors.

If your surname is Treloar, you are related to a Treloar or you are in any way related to the great man himself, Sir William Purdie Treloar, then the Trust wants to hear from you.

They are hoping to have descendants of Sir William start the sponsored walk.

Pupils from Treloar School

It will cover approximately 250 miles and runs from Cornwall, through South Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire and then onto Hampshire. You will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country on the way.

For 100 years now Treloar's has been providing a unique blend of outstanding education, therapy, residential care, medical support, independence training and fun for some of the most physically disabled young people from all over the UK.

Each year the Trust must raise £2m to fund new facilities, equipment and improvements to meet the increasing severity of disability among students.

Find out more about Sir William Purdie Treloar and the Treloar Trust on the links below: