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  • Our History
  1. Who We Are
  2. Our History

Our History

In 1525 William Lench, a tanner by trade and living in Moor Street, then called Mole Street, decided to leave his worldly wealth to nineteen of his friends by a Deed of Gift dated 11th March 1525. His will of 24th March 1525 asked that the monies be used for works of charity.

In a Declaration of Trust dated 1540, twelve Trustees were appointed to apply and distribute the income and profits. These twelve good men decided that the money should be spent in two ways:

1) in repairing the ruined ways and bridges in and around the town of Birmingham
2) in bestowing the same on the poor living within the said town, where there was the greatest want

Until 1838 and the incorporation of the city of Birmingham, the income of the Trust was used for these two purposes. After the incorporation the Trust concentrated all its resources on looking after the poor, leaving the council to look after the roads and bridges.

The care of the poor and needy was provided by housing (almshouses) and the payment of stipends (pension). The foresight of Trustees is very apparent, if one considers that state pension provision did not begin until 1911.

The first reference to almshouses in the Trust's history is to Digbeth Almshouses in 1639. In 1688 the Trustees built another group at the corner of Steelhouse Lane and Lancaster Street in "rural surroundings", with "an extensive and beautiful view of the country".

Since those beginnings the Trust has gone from strength to strength. These early almshouses have long since demolished with new ones taking their place - the latest one as new as 2011!

The History of Lench's Trust I

The History of Lench's Trust II

The History of Lench's Trust III

The History of Lench's Trust IV

Published: 12th May, 2016

Updated: 28th July, 2021

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    Apply to live at Lench's Trust.

  • About Us

    About Us

    Lench's Trust is an almshouse charity founded in 1526 by William Lench.

  • Trustees & Staff

    Both our staff and trustees play vital roles at Lench's Trust.

  • FAQ

    FAQ

    Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Our History

    Our History

    In 1525 William Lench, a tanner by trade and living in Moor Street, then called Mole Street, decided to leave his worldly wealth to nineteen of his friends by a Deed of Gift dated 11th March 1525.

  • Our Services

    Our Services

    The main purpose of Lench's Trust is to promote independent living for older people who are facing financial hardship or social isolation.

Get in Touch

William Lench Court
80 Ridgacre Road
Birmingham
B32 2AQ

T: 0121 426 0455
E: [email protected]

If you are a member of the media and have a question about the Trust or our work, please contact Michelle Hallmark at Creative Bridge. She can be reached via [email protected] or by phoning 07545610277

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    Registered Charity Reference Number: 1145847

    Company Number: 07860164