Simeon, Charles (1759–1836). A leading evangelical. Born in Reading, Simeon had religious experiences at Eton (1776) and again at King's College, Cambridge. A fellow of Queens' and later vice-provost of King's, after taking orders (1782) he became incumbent of Holy Trinity, Cambridge (1783–1836). Despite initial hostility his pastoral work won people over. He became well known as an evangelical. After Charles Grant, an East India Company director, had drawn his attention to missionary work in India (1788), Simeon advised on chaplaincy appointments there; he was subsequently a founder of the Church Missionary Society (1797) and supported the British and Foreign Bible Society. He gathered a large following of young men, especially among undergraduates. Today his name is permanently commemorated in the Simeon Trust, which purchases church patronage and administers it for evangelically minded clergy.

Revd Dr William M. Marshall

Simeon, Charles (1759–1836). Second-generation leader of the Evangelical Revival. Appointed Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, in 1782, he gave himself to expository preaching, and to a long ministry to undergraduates. His Simeon Trust was formed to purchase livings for evangelicals. His loyalty to the Church of England never wavered and he insisted on the primacy of parish work over itinerancy.