Educator. He was a citizen and Draper of London, England, on the Board of Education whom was the founder of Bancroft’s School. Upon his death, he bequeathed all his personal estate on trust to The Drapers’ Company. An almshouse and school were established, originally at Mile End, East London, known as Bancroft’s Hospital. Under a Scheme of 1884, the almshouse was abolished and the school transferred to newly built premises at Woodford, Essex. The residue of Francis Bancroft’s estate, which was to be used to endow the almshouse and school on a permanent basis, formed the basis of the trust for the better of education. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith)