125 years of Clarion
Since its creation, Clarion Housing Group has grown into the UK’s largest housing association, providing homes and support to people across the country.
Explore our rich history, from our roots in social housing to the impactful organisation we are today.
Delve into the milestones, people, and innovations that have shaped our story. Discover how we’ve adapted and grown over the decades while staying true to our mission: building homes and creating communities where people thrive.
Our origins
Clarion Housing Group’s story began with the pioneering vision of William Sutton, born in 1833. A successful entrepreneur, Sutton not only built the UK’s first parcel delivery service but also saw the growing need for affordable housing for working class families.
His fortune, amassed through business ventures, was used to tackle the housing crisis of the time. In 1900, Sutton passed away, leaving behind a £1.5 million legacy (equivalent to £197 million today) to establish the Sutton Dwellings Trust.
Sutton’s legacy focused on providing “model dwellings” for the poor of London and other towns, with the aim of creating quality homes for those in need. The Sutton Estate in Chelsea was one of the earliest examples of this work, and by 1939, the trust had expanded, providing homes for 32,000 people.
His philanthropic approach laid the foundations for what would become one of the largest housing associations in the UK, a commitment to addressing the housing needs of vulnerable communities.
Growth and change in the 20th century
The 1960s were a pivotal period in the history of social housing, marked by rising awareness of the housing crisis.
In 1966, the BBC broadcast "Cathy Come Home," a film by Ken Loach that depicted the devastating effects of homelessness. The powerful portrayal of one family's descent into poverty sparked public outrage and brought the issue of housing to the forefront of national consciousness.
This surge in public interest helped fuel the creation of new housing associations, including Circle 33, founded in 1968 by architects David Bernstein, Beverly Bernstein, David Levitt, and Christian Bevington. Their mission was to address the growing demand for affordable housing, and they became integral to the evolution of the social housing sector, growing alongside the Sutton Dwellings Trust.
The merger of these two organisations in 2016 formed Clarion Housing Group, a landmark moment in the history of affordable housing in the UK.
The merger and the birth of Clarion Housing Group
In 2016, two of the UK's most influential housing associations, Affinity Sutton and Circle 33, merged to form Clarion Housing Group. This merger brought together a rich history of social housing development, blending Circle 33’s expertise in creating sustainable communities with Affinity Sutton’s dedication to providing affordable homes.
Clarion’s ambition was clear: to become the largest and most influential housing association in the UK, focused on delivering high-quality homes for those who need them most.
This merger was not just about growth; it was about strengthening the impact of their combined efforts to solve the housing crisis. By pooling resources, Clarion was able to increase its scale and capacity, making a significant contribution to the provision of affordable housing in the UK.
The new organisation’s work extended beyond just providing homes; it also emphasised social value, community development, and sustainability.
Where we are today and the social impact we are making
Clarion Housing Group’s impact continued to grow in the 21st century, with significant milestones marking its commitment to tackling housing challenges.
In 2021, Clarion was named as a strategic partner for Homes England, further solidifying its role as a leader in the housing sector.
In 2022, Latimer, the Group’s development arm, was recognised as the UK’s most sustainable not-for-profit housebuilder, reflecting the organisation’s dedication to creating environmentally sustainable communities.
In 2023, Clarion received the largest share of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, earmarked to improve the energy efficiency of thousands of homes. This initiative is part of Clarion’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and create more sustainable homes.
The focus on sustainability, alongside efforts to address the housing shortage, continues to be central to Clarion’s mission, making a tangible difference in the lives of residents and communities.
Our vision for the future
Looking to the future, Clarion Housing Group has ambitious plans to continue its legacy of providing affordable housing and improving sustainability.
By 2025, the organisation aims to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75% compared to 2013 levels, and by 2040, it plans to be the leading housing provider for high-quality, sustainable homes.
Clarion’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future is also reflected in its broader environmental goals, including becoming a net-zero carbon organisation by 2050.
The company’s efforts extend beyond housing, with Clarion Futures—its charitable foundation—investing in social programmes that help communities thrive. These initiatives are designed to create a lasting, positive impact, furthering William Sutton’s original vision and ensuring that Clarion continues to make a difference for generations to come.