The Charter of 1585 stated that there should be three discreet, good and honest men, to be
called Governors of the possessions, revenues and goods of the school.
There should also be twelve discreet, good and honest men, to be called Assistant
Governors.
From the early 17th century onwards the Governors and Assistants were also given
responsibility for various almshouses, and other charities in Ashbourne, as it was recognised
by benefactors that the Governors and Assistants were in an ideal position to administer
them on an ongoing and permanent basis.
In the early 19th century the Governors and Assistants also became known as “The Old
Trust” which administrated in addition to the School, an increasing number of Almshouses
and Almspeople, together with many other charities in the town.
The Old Trust in the 1990’s became concerned that legislation required that there should be
equal opportunities in all aspects of life for men and women, and considered that the men
only provision for Trustees should be amended to include women, and discussions were
held with the Charity Commission, but nothing was actually done at that time to take the
situation any further.
It was not until 2023, that a resolution was passed by the trustees that in future, women
should also be included when considering new trustees. The Charity Commission were
approached again, for their approval, and in January 2024 the first woman trustee was
appointed.