HISTORY OF THE TRUST:
Michael Lowe of Tymore
The Lowes had been Lords of the Manor of Tymore for generations. Michael Lowe was an Attorney and clearly a person of some importance having connections possibly with the Elizabethan Court. Sadly, there now appears to be little evidence of the Manor of Tymore, although it does appear in the Domesday Book as “land for one plough; Ranulf holds it”.
Michael Lowe’s Will dated 3rd June 1593 gives some indication of an interest in property in Lichfield. He was buried either in Elford or St. Michael‘s, Lichfield (though local sources differ). There is evidence of considerable landholding around the City and indeed some of the land bequeathed in his Will remained in the Charity’s ownership until the 1950’s.
From the time of its foundation in 1593 one of the Charity’s concerns has been fuel poverty. Originally, the Trustees “provided coal to just twelve poor men, reputed honest, twelve new coats ready made, twelve new caps, twelve loads of coal and twelve shillings in money; and that such twelve as had that gift one year should not have it the next year”. Nowadays they provide fuel grants for considerably more qualifying persons aged 65 or over.
The importance of the Charity as a source of help to those in the City suffering hardship or who are in need has increased. Its traditional role, providing weekly pensions and clothing for elderly gentlemen and distributing coal at Christmas, has in recent years expanded greatly.
The Trustees consider a great number of applications each year both from individuals and from organisations (including other Charities) providing help to the disadvantaged of all ages. However, grants are restricted to or for the benefit of residents of the City of Lichfield. It may seem curious, or even unjust, that the bequest in the Will of the Lord of the Manor of Tymore can only benefit the inhabitants of the City, but that is the law.
