The charity was set up when the proceeds from the sale of St George's House, the Northern Police Orphanage on Otley Road in Harrogate were put into trust. The orphanage closed in the mid-1950's due to falling demand, possibly because of changes to the welfare state and an increase in adoption and fostering.
Between 1898, when the house opened, through to 1954, more than 600 children spent all or part of their childhood at St George's House. Running costs were funded by many hundreds of serving police officers who made a weekly donation from their pay. Other gifts and donations were received from wellwishers across the north of England and futher afield.
St George's Police Trust continues to support the children of police officers who have died or who have been incapacitated from earning a living. The Trust also enjoys a friendship with many of the St George's House 'Old Boys and Girls' who visit Harrogate each year for a reunion.