Poor Land charities which are among the oldest in the country. They are often small, very local and largely unknown. Typically, these charities hold land assets and derive an income from this which can be used to benefit specific vulnerable groups in the Parish.

Many were probably resultant from the enclosures acts which started around 1780s.

Additional records may be available in places like Norfolk record office to find out when the charity was defined, who gave the land and who has been responsible. References to the land can be found in Trade Directories.

For example in 1845 edition of White’s Directory.

In Francis White & Co History, Gazetteer & Directory of Norfolk, 1854 there is a little more detail which states the poor’s allotment of 4a. 2r. 12p., is let for £4 16s.

The earliest record found to date is from a volume called 'An Account of The Different Charities Belonging To The Poor Of The County of Norfolk'. As you will see from the image below it is a compilation of terriers and and other records. Zachary Clark published this volume in 1811.

These charities were run originally by the church and managed by the Parish Clergy.

The Charitable Trusts Acts, 1853 to 1869 formalised these arrangements and received an application in writing dated 24th November 1883 from James Wright and John Lane of Hempton to register Hempton’s Poor’s Land. This looks like it was the outcome of the meeting proceeding the once that ended in no decisions reported 4 August 1883. The criteria were that the trustee ex officio chairman was the Parish Priest plus at least two others. The original trustees were ‘The Incumbent’ together with Horatio Frohawk Burrell (Gentleman) and Isaac William Fisher (Carpenter).

Hempton’s foundation deed was signed 21 March 1884. The Incumbent for Holy Trinity in 1884 was Father Ambrose Johnson. Burrell lived in various properties in Hempton and was an ironmonger.

The foundation document describes that the yearly income should be applied to the trustees for distributing to the deserving residents of the parish.

Criteria for the distribution of the assets are;

1. In aid of the funds of any dispensary, infirmary or hospital
2. Contributions towards the provision of nurses for the sick and infirm
3. In aid of the funds of club or society established in Hempton or neighbourhood for the supply of coal, clothing or other necessaries 
4. The supply of clothes, linen bedding, fuel, tools medical or other aid in sickness, food or other articles in kind to an amount not exceeding 5/- in any one year. (About £20 today)
5. The supply of temporary relief in money by way of loan or otherwise in the case of unexpected loss, urgent distress or sudden destitution.

The foundation deed schedule defines the parcel of land in Shereford on the tithe map (dated 1838) attached to the deed, marked number 73, as 4a. 2r. 12p..

There is limited need in Hempton these days for coal but the land assets still go to the vulnerable of the parish. These days the land rent goes more towards buying equipment or services for the community.

How to apply for aid from the Poor's Land Charity

Today, the criteria from the original governance document still applies.

Anyone who lives in Hempton Parish, who fulfils one of the criteria, may apply in person or a representative, by contacting the secretary of the charity. Applications will be handled in the strictest of confidence 

Email hemptonnkpoorslandcharity@gmail.com