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The original charity James Sawyer (d:1692) and his son Thomas (d:1694) in their lifetimes erected four almshouses in Chelveston for four widows (two each Chelveston & Raunds). Provisions were made in James’s will (proved 1703) for all his lands, goods, etc in Chelston & Denford to be held by 16 trustees to provide funds to maintain the almshouses and support their inmates. A tablet above one door was inscribed 'This House was erected by James Sawyer, gent., and Thomas Sawyer his son, and Ten Pounds per annum by them therewith given for the use of four poor widows for ever towards their maintenance, Anno Domini 1708'. This was given to Mrs Mabel Meadows when the building was demolished.
The charity held various lands in the parish, but as part of the 1801 Inclosure Act, these were commuted into two, known as Hospital Close and Captains Close (shown below on the Inclosure map), whilst 7 other properties were given over to the Lord of the Manor in lieu of fencing and hedging charges. |
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James & Thomas Sawyer’s Charity (240194) |
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To contact us: |
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Click here for known residents of the almshouses (1841-1943).
By 1911 there were two serviceable almshouses plus a former almshouse. One for a resident from Chelveston & one from Raunds.
In 1948 the Trustees (Harry William Lawrence, George William Frost, Ewart Fellowes Corby, Joseph Charles Brittin & Elsie Emily Hudson) sold the almshouses and Captains Close to Oundle & Thrapston Rural District Council (now ENC) for £175. The almshouses were subsequently demolished and the land used to build 10 council houses, called Sawyers Crescent.
The present charity The charity now derives its income from the rent of the land now known as Hospital Field and provides benefits to residents of each parish who are in condition of need, hardship or distress. No periodical or recurrent benefits are permitted to any individual.
The Trustees There can be up to six trustees, plus a Clerk to the Trustees. Two representative trustees are appointed each by Raunds TC and by Chelveston-cum-Caldecott PC. These serve for 3 years and may be re-appointed. Two co-optative trustees are appointed by the representative trustees, one from each parish. These serve for 7 years and can be re-appointed.
Cllr Pauline Ellis, of Raunds TC, is the Clerk to the Trustees.
Updated 19/09/11. |
