Barton Bendish Parish Council

Picture of St Mary's Church, Barton Bendish with pink gladioli in front of the church

Barton Bendish Poor’s Charity

Poor’s Allotment Charity History

The Barton Bendish Poor’s Allotment Charity has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Established during a period of significant change for the parish, the charity emerged from the Barton Bendish Inclosure Act of 1774. This Act transformed the landscape by dividing and enclosing the common fields, meadows, heaths, and waste lands within the parish, effectively ending the open-field system and common land rights that had been in place for centuries.

As part of this enclosure, the tithes on farm income, previously owed to the two working churches in the parish, were commuted for new glebe land, resulting in the establishment of St Andrew’s Glebe Farm and St Mary’s Glebe Farm. In the process, the ancient common land known as Barton Bendish Fen was suppressed. To compensate the poor of the parish for the loss of their common rights, the income from forty acres of land was allocated to them.

This allocation led to the creation of the Poor’s Allotment Charity, which provided a vital source of support for those in need in the parish by receiving rent from the designated land and using it to subsidise fuel costs. The charity continues to play an important role in supporting the community to this day, currently owning just under 50 acres at two locations within the parish. This land is let on Farm Business Tenancies, all the land is private and not open to the public.

Grants Available Today

The charity offers grants for essential items such as household goods, medical equipment, travel costs to hospital, and school uniforms. Residents can apply by downloading the grant application form available on this webpage.

What can you apply for?

  • Essential items such as household goods, medical equipment, travel costs to hospital, and school uniforms (this is not an exhaustive list)

How to apply:

  • Download the grant application form available here – GRANT APPLICATION FORM
  • Provide a detailed quotation for the requested item.
  • Confirm eligibility by indicating if you:
    • Receive means-tested benefits.
    • Receive a state pension with no other income.
    • Receive non-means-tested benefits.
    • Are experiencing a financial crisis.

For further information, residents are encouraged to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section provided on the application form. Please make sure to attach all required documents and send your completed application to bbpoorscharity@yahoo.com.

 

The Trustees would like to thank the Parish Council for allowing the Poor’s Charity a page on their website; while the Council is one of the trustees, please direct all questions and correspondence to the charity’s email address (above), as the charity operates independently and uses this page solely to provide information and reach residents.