To mark its 7ooth birthday, the Girdlers’ Company’s new endowment fund within its Charitable Trust will greatly expand its provision of educational scholarships and bursaries to talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In the first phase, working with established and trusted partners, it will support more post-graduate scholars at Corpus Christi College Cambridge and pupils at Gordons’ School – in both cases making these studies possible for those otherwise excluded by economic disadvantage.

In subsequent phases it will build out to embrace more students and partner institutions.

The Girdlers’ Company Charitable Trust already gives away c.£1m pa to some 30 charities, mainly thanks to the generosity of Girdlers centuries ago and careful stewardship since then.

To mark its 7ooth anniversary it is raising new capital, giving Girders today and their friends, families and contacts the chance to match that past generosity by creating educational opportunities for more young people otherwise unable to afford them and so to fulfil their potential.