Betchworth United Charities
The Trust covers the ancient Parish of Betchworth, i.e.
including the more recent Parish of Brockham. The major element of
the Trust is the Henry Smith Charity.
Henry Smith was born in Wandsworth in or about 1545 and died in
1628. He was a Salter by trade who grew rich and purchased
estates in various parts of England. He had no children and
during his lifetime created a number of charitable trusts for the
relief of the poor.
Betchworth and many other parishes have received Smith's charity
since the 17th century and today, the main object of the Estates
fund is to provide relief in some way to residents who are elderly,
sick, in need and to assist their advancement in life within the
Parish. The income from this fund consists of a mix of
property and stock market investments and grants are distributed
amongst individual Parishes entirely at the discretion of the Henry
Smith Trustees.
There are eight Trustees of the Betchworth United
Charities (200299), headed by the Rector of Betchworth Revd Carol
Coslett and the Vicar of Brockham Revd Jonathan
Willans (both ex officio) and two Trustees nominated by Betchworth
and Brockham Parish Councils.
The charity is among several to be supported by the
Henry Smith Charity, details of the bequest can be seen on
display in the Hamilton Room in Betchworth. The Trust covers
the ancient parish of Betchworth, which includes Brockham
and surrounding areas. It provides support to persons in
need, suffering hardship or distress, and grants for educational or
training purposes to children and young people.
Applications for assistance can be made from those living in the
villages of Brockham or Betchworth, and you are
encouraged in the first instance to contact the clerk.
The Henry Smith Charity