Charles Simeon (1759-1836) left an indelible impression upon his generation. Educated at Eton and then King's College, Cambridge, he was ordained before he was twenty three.

He was the minister of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, for fifty four years, but his appointment met with opposition from his parishioners which continued unabated for the first ten years. He came through it to be regarded as a great preacher, learned teacher and guide, philanthropist and discipler of young men attempting to enter the ministry.

He became the object of great personal respect and of very wide influence in the church at the time. It is possible that the English church never had a more loving and devoted son and servant than Charles Simeon.