Lord Crewes Charity - April 4th 2011
There’s a chance for residents in the west of Northumberland to learn about the fascinating work of the Lord Crewe’s Charity over the next few weeks. Months of work by staff and volunteers from Northumberland Archives at Woodhorn on historical papers belonging to the charity have resulted in the creation of a small exhibition which is going on display at Blanchland Abbey. There will also be a talk at the Blanchland Community Centre Wednesday 13 April at 7pm.
The Lord Crewe’s Charity was established almost 300 years ago in 1721 by the terms of the will of Nathaniel, Lord Crewe. Born in Northamptonshire, the 3rd Baron Crewe had a distinguished career ending up as Bishop of Durham. At the age of 67 he married the young Dorothy Forster (27) and it was property that came through this marriage that formed the basis of the wealth of the Trust. Initially it was left in the care of 5 clergymen.
Members of the clergy and poor throughout the Diocese of Durham were helped through the Trust, but it also provided a boarding school for girls, an infirmary, a cheap shop, discounted corn, and aids to crews and ships in distress. Full records of the estates themselves give further insight into the trustees as landowners and employers.
It is thanks to grants from the present-day Lord Crewe’s Charity and the Heritage Lottery Fund that work has been possible to list, catalogue and piece together the collection of documents dating back to the 15th century and to make them fully accessible to the general public for the first time.
The small display at the Abbey uses images from the collection to tell the story of the Charity’s founder and to illustrate some of its activities in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Dr Liz O’Donnell from Northumberland Archives will be giving the talk on 13 April. “It has been a fabulous project to work on, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be able to talk about the records and what we’ve found. I’m sure people will find it really interesting.”
The talk is free of charge, but as the evening also includes supper, places need to be booked by contacting James Lynch on 01434 675 141.