A Legacy of Learning and Compassion
The Origin of the Penn Wynn Foundation
“One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts” Psalm 145:4
Discover the inspiring story of how Charles Winn’s vision for education and community service laid the foundation for the Penn Wynn Foundation’s enduring mission.
Charles Winn (or Wynn)
Charles Winn, a beloved vicar and visionary, dedicated his life to the spiritual and educational growth of children in Penn. Serving at St Bartholomew’s church for 23 years, he recognized the lack of educational opportunities and took it upon himself to teach children to read, write, and count. He and his wife had no children of their own, so when he died, he left a financial legacy in his will to help all children leaving school. Education was provided for children only up to the age of 11 (and not all children were allowed to even attend as their parents needed them to help at home or to start work in the factories, mines, farms or even making bricks by hand for housing.
Because books were so rare, Rev Winn gave bibles to all school leavers, a tradition that has survived until this day.
Winn or Wynn?: In the 17th century, writers and printers often confused the ‘i’ and the ‘y’ when they wrote, so we find different spellings for the surname. The memorial stone in St Bartholomew’s School actually says Winn, but the place where the original church was built and where he preached was named Wynn or Wynne (Road and Crescent).
Today the Penn Wynn Foundation continues, ensuring his educational initiatives would endure beyond his lifetime.
The Birth of a Vision
In 1646, Rev Charles Winn, a devoted vicar of St Bartholomew’s Church, laid the principles that would eventually lead to the formation of the Penn Wynn Foundation. During his 23 years of faithful service (1646–1669), he was driven by a passion for nurturing young minds. At a time when there was no school in Penn, he transformed his church into a place of learning, teaching children to read, write and count, while grounding them in Christian faith and values. His vision for education and community development became the foundation of a legacy that continues to this day.
Rev Winn ministered during one of the most dramatic periods in English history. The Civil War was raging when he arrived in Penn, and only two years later, in 1649, Charles I of England was executed. Under the rule of Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth, church services were changed, and vicars had to adapt to new forms of worship. Then, in 1662, following the restoration of Charles II of England, a new Prayer Book was introduced, once again reshaping church life. Rev Winn served faithfully through these turbulent and uncertain times.
The church where he served was originally built near what is now Wynne Crescent. Today, the much larger church building stands on Vicarage Road in Penn, surrounded not by fields, woodland and marshes as it once was, but by houses and a thriving community. Over the centuries, the “Ancient Parish of Penn” expanded significantly, particularly during the Industrial Revolution as people moved into the Penn Fields area. New churches were established to serve the growing population, including St Philip’s Church (1859), St Anne’s Church (1888), St Aidan’s Church (1902), and St Joseph’s Church (1955). Other neighbouring congregations also became part of the wider Christian presence in the area, including Springdale Methodist Church, Beckminster Methodist Church, St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, and The United Reformed Church.
Because Rev Winn had no children of his own, he chose to invest in the children of the parish. In his will, he left money and farmland to fund the building of a school, to provide a teacher’s salary, and to ensure that each child received a Bible upon leaving. In 1669, a book of any kind was rare and precious—an extraordinary gift that offered both knowledge and spiritual guidance.
The original school, built by the Trustees in 1714 on what is now Wynne Crescent, was Penn’s first school. It was later rebuilt in 1871 and is today known as St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School, where the original foundation stone remains on display.
The tradition begun by Rev Winn continues today. Bibles are still presented, and the Foundation supports Christian programmes for young people—particularly those aged 11 to 19—ensuring that his commitment to faith, education and community development remains alive more than three centuries later.
When the monarch of England is crowned, a Bible is presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury as part of the coronation service, with these words:
“We present you with this book,
The most valuable thing that this world affords.
Here is wisdom, this is the royal law,
These are the lively oracles of God.”
Milestones of the Penn Wynn Foundation
The Penn Wynn Foundation has a rich history of nurturing young minds and fostering educational growth.
Here are some key moments that have defined our journey.
1646
Charles Wynn became the Vicar of Penn
Rev Charles Winn arrives as the vicar of St Bartholomew’s Church, Penn. He would become one of the most famous vicar’s of Penn and was buried under the church on his passing in 1669, after 23 years of service.
1669
Legacy of Learning
Charles loved children and wanted to help them as much as he could, and so he bequeaths funds and farmland to ensure the continuation of educational initiatives, providing resources for a school and a Bible for each graduating child.
1714
First Educational Gathering
Charles Winn invited children to church and taught them to read, write and count, as well as how to grow as Christians. With the funds and land left by Charles, the first school opens, providing education to local children.
1871
School Construction
The school was rebuilt by the church which is the current St Bartholomew’s primary school where the original foundation stone from the first school is displayed in the entrance hall.
2025
Cultrual Initives
The Trustees agreed a new and innovative initiative supporting projects across The Ancient Parish, and continue supporting young people, and developing the legacy left by Rev Charles Winn.
Join Us in Inspiring Future Generations
Help us continue the legacy of Charles Winn by empowering young minds through education and inspiration. Your support is vital in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. Join the Penn Wynn Foundation in making a lasting impact.