Helping Residents of Wraxall & Failand in times of Hardship and Need
About the Charities
Our charitable aims and objectives are to provide assistance for the purpose of the relief of financial hardship to people residing in the parish of Wraxall & Failand.
The charities began in 1635 when a bequest to the people of Wraxall by the Marchioness of Northampton was used to purchase land, the rent from which was to be distributed amongst the poor as the churchwardens thought fit. Over the years other bequests were made for benefit of the people of the parish. In 1962 these charities were combined and are now administered together by seven trustees, including the Rector of the Parish of Wraxall with Failand.
Examples of assistance that might be granted
Support for thoes in financial hardship as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic
The cost of purchasing essential household items such as a washing machine.
The cost of purchasing essential personal items such as school uniform or shoes.
Travelling expenses for medical care or for visiting.
The cost of respite or convalescent assistance.
The cost of special food or medical aids or equipment.
Payment of fees for a course or travelling expenses to assist people
Who can we help?
Anybody experiencing hardship and in need within the parish of Wraxall & Failand
Children and young people
Elderly people
People with disabilities
People suffering misfortune, loss, or major trauma in their lives
How do we help?
We can award grants to pay, or part pay, for items, services or facilities that help alleviate need. Grants are given for specific purposes. We do not commit to providing long term or regular grants. We cannot award grants for services that should be provided by the Local Authority or the Government.
Can I apply for a grant?
We may be able to help you with a grant for a specific purpose if you live in Wraxall or Failand, are suffering hardship and are in need of financial support.
You can download a leaflet that outlines the work of the charity and the types of help that can be provided by clicking on the button to the right.
If you work in our community providing support to adults or children you are welcome to download the leaflet and print as many copies as you wish. When printing remember, in the printer settings to select the option to "bind on short side". If you do not do this one side of the leaflet will be upside down.
How do I apply?
Contact the Charities for an application form
by email: info.wraxallcharities@gmail.com
by phone: 07543613278
or by post: Wraxall Charities, The Cross Tree Centre, Bristol Road, Wraxall. BS48 1LB.
You can download a '.pdf' of the grant application form by clicking the button to the right.
All applications will be treated in confidence, and should, whenever possible, be made by the individual in need. Your application will be considered as soon as possible.
About our Charity
Sir Thomas Gorges was born in 1536 at Birdcombe Court, one of the oldest and historically important buildings in the parish of Wraxall. Thomas became an Elizabethan courtier and Groom of the Chamber to Queen Elizabeth I. While at court he met the recently widowed Helena, Marchioness of Northampton.
Helena von Snakenborg was born into Swedish nobility. By all accounts, Helena was a beautiful woman. She was described as having a strong will and independent mind.
Helena died at the age of 86 on 10 April 1635 at Redlynch, and was buried on 14 May in Salisbury Cathedral. It has been claimed that Helena had no fewer than ninety-two direct descendants at the time of her death.
On her death, Helena bequeathed £100 to the poor of Wraxall, with which were purchased the fields called the Fryth, the rent to be distributed amongst the poor on St Thomas’ day as the churchwardens think fit.
Over the years there have been a number of notable residents of the parish that have bequeathed money for the people of the parish, including Henry Mugleworth, of Charlton House, Elizabeth Martindale, Abraham Elton and Thomas Kington. In 1962 these charities were combined into a single entity under the name of the Marchioness of Northampton.
Our charity has benefited from esteemed benefactors that have helped us to support those in need to the present day.