The Trust was founded and endowed in 1964 by the industrialist Sir Jules Thorn. From a small company which he started in the 1920’s, Sir Jules built an extraordinary business empire through exceptional talent, energy and enthusiasm. A great humanitarian, it was typical of Sir Jules that he should wish to help others, and he found as much fulfilment through his charitable trust as he did from building Thorn Electrical Industries.

Sir Jules was involved personally in the distributions made to charitable causes until his death in 1980, since when the continuing Board of Trustees has sought to sustain the legacy of an outstanding man.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2004 the Trust produced a commemorative brochure (download the brochure here).