Our History

A History Rooted in Centuries of Care

Almondsbury Charity is built on foundations laid more than 700 years ago. Its story begins in 1322, when John de Brokenborough established a medieval chantry - a trust funded by private land, with rental income dedicated to supporting a priest whose duty was to sing Mass for the souls of the founder, his family, and all departed Christian souls. The original endowment amounted to £3 6s 8d (approximately £3.18), a modest sum by modern standards, but one that marked the beginning of a long tradition of local generosity.

This early endowment later became known as the Church Lands Charity, formally constituted under a Trust Deed of 1457. At that time, the income was used exclusively for the maintenance and repair of the parish church in Almondsbury, ensuring that the spiritual heart of the community was cared for across generations.

Growth Through Amalgamation

Over the centuries, the charity’s reach steadily expanded. In 1892, a new Trust Deed brought together several historic charities, amalgamating the Church Lands Charity with those established by Edward Tirrell (1683), Thomas Jefferis (1717) and John Silcox (1741). Unlike the earlier church-focused trust, these later charities were created specifically to support the poor of Almondsbury.

At the time of amalgamation, the charity’s capital stood at £400, with half still held in land, reflecting its deep roots in local property and agriculture.

Changing Community

From the 1950s onwards, Almondsbury and its surrounding areas underwent significant change. New housing developments transformed what had once been a predominantly farming community into one where many residents worked in the aircraft industry or commuted to Bristol. As the population grew, Patchway (in 1953) and later Bradley Stoke became parishes in their own right.

Recognising these changes, a new Trust Deed in 1976 widened the scope of the charity’s beneficiaries. The area of benefit was defined as the parish of Almondsbury as it existed in 1881, ensuring continuity while adapting to modern realities.

Defining Moment in the 1970s

The 1970s proved to be a pivotal decade. Trustees secured planning permission for housing on allotments owned by the charity in Patchway, coinciding with the government’s decision to widen the A38 and construct the nearby flyover. As a result, the land became subject to a compulsory purchase order. After legal expenses were deducted, the charity received a substantial benefit of £150,000, significantly strengthening its financial position and enabling it to extend its support within the community.

New Name, the Same Purpose

In 1997, the charity adopted the name Almondsbury Charity, reflecting both its historic origins and its broader modern role. While the name changed, its commitment to local benevolence remained unchanged.

Stewardship Today

Today, Almondsbury Charity’s assets are professionally managed, with capital retained to provide a steadily rising income. This income is distributed by the Trustees in accordance with the Trust Deed, ensuring careful stewardship for both present and future generations.

The charity’s income is divided into two distinct funds:

The Ecclesiastical Fund

• Towards the repair and maintenance of

St Mary’s Church, Almondsbury

St Peter’s Church, Pilning

Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke

St Chad’s Church, Patchway

All Saints Church, Compton Greenfield

• To further the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England within the area of benefit.

The Education and Relief Fund

• Relief of those in need

• Relief of those who are sick

• Advancement of education

• This fund may provide assistance to both individuals and organisations, allowing the charity to respond flexibly to the needs of the community it has served for centuries.

While much has changed since its beginnings in 1322, the charity’s purpose remains the same: to care for and support the community, today and into the future.