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Sheffield Burgesses
For nearly 450 years, the Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust has served Sheffield. Granted its charter by Mary Tudor, it has adapted to social change down the centuries and is now a multi-purpose charity with a substantial income which it allocates to ecclesiastical purposes in support of the Church of England; to education and for the betterment of the needy and deprived and for the benefit of the community.
It has made, and continues to make, a significant impact upon the life of the City. In particular, it is a major source of income for Sheffield Cathedral, for the building of churches and for payments towards Anglican clergy stipends in Sheffield.
Under the Scheme, five-sevenths (about 71%) of the net income of the Trust is allocated to ecclesiastical purposes. Of the remaining two-sevenths, five-eighths (about 18%) is allocated to educational purposes and three-eighths (about 11%) to other secular purposes.
The income devoted to educational purposes is now administered by the Church Burgesses Educational Foundation, constituted as a separate, independent Trust. Under these broad headings, the Trust today provides significant financial support for a wide range of activities.
The income of the Trust is still derived, to a considerable extent, from land and property. Urban development in the nineteenth century was the key to the growth of the Burgesses’ assets, and they made a not inconsiderable mark upon the growth of the City. They were pioneers in imposing good order and high standards in the town’s development; they were forerunners of sensible, regulated town planning.
The story of the Church Burgesses Trust down the centuries is one of active involvement in the affairs of Sheffield. They had their origin in meeting the social and spiritual needs of the whole town. Four hundred and fifty years ago their resources could hardly be said to match the task, today, whatever the resources, the task would be impossible.
Yet, the Church Burgeses have made, and continue to make, an impact that is significant and lasting. Their contribution to the Established Church is a major resource for maintenance and development of the Church’s ministry; their charitable and educational work encourages new developments and initiatives which enrich and bring hope to individuals and communities.
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