Who we are

The Charity has its origin in the Will dated 30 March 1727 of Mrs Frances Ashton, under which she left a sum to be applied to assist poor clergymen and their widows. Under various schemes issued by the Charity Commissioners, the first in 1848 and further variations subsequently, the provisions for the clergy are now expressed to be for the benefit of clergy - both men and women - of the Church of England and their widows and widowers.

Because the Charity’s funds are limited the trustees provide one-off grants to meet the urgent needs of qualifying individuals who apply for help.