University of York

The campaign to found a university in York began in the 1940s and was insitigated by the same men who founded York Civic Trust in 1946. John Bowes Morrell, and Oliver Sheldon, both directors of Rowntree & Co, played key roles in the campaign. In March 1961 The JRRT/JRSST promised £150,000; the JRMT £100,000 and Rowntree and Co. Ltd promised £100,000 in grants payable over the first ten years of the university’s existence to assist it’s foundation. The JRSST/JRRT also made a separate gift to the university of Heslington Hall and its gardens and grounds – 17 acres in total. Several other company directors and trustees have held positions of responsibility in the University. A building in Social Sciences is named after Seebohm Rowntree.