History

Knowledge of Rebecca Hussey's background (other than her generosity) had been lost in the mists of time but research* in the 21st century has revealed that she was the  daughter of Sir Thomas Hussey and Sarah Langham of Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire.  Born in about 1668, she died unmarried in her mid-forties in 1714 and is buried in St Wilfrid's Church, Honington, Lincolnshire.  Her will left money for many charitable  purposes and three established charities in her name continue in existence today:  

• the Rebecca Hussey Trust for Africans (which became part of the USPG 1975 and since 2021 is under the trusteeship of International Justice Mission UK); 

• another for the benefit of poor prisoners in Lincoln and the adjoining counties which was merged with the Lincoln Prison Charity in April 1981 to form the Lincolnshire Discharged Prisoners Welfare Charity; 

• and finally this, Rebecca Hussey's Book Charity.

Rebecca Hussey’s varied bequests display her interest in many different people and their welfare.  In keeping with her broad concern to serve others, Rebecca Hussey's Book Charity is pleased to offer grants to collections that can be used by many people. 

* by courtesy of Janet Woodger, Family Historian