Our Heritage
A History of Charitable Care in Moulton
The Moulton Poor Lands Charity has roots that reach back to a time before formal legal charities existed — a tradition of the parish caring for its poorest residents through the holding of land "from time immemorial." The poor of the parish were supported by the rents and produce from a collection of cottages and other buildings held in trust for their benefit.
This tradition of charitable giving was formalised through a series of important bequests. In 1633, Erasmus Amy left land to generate rent income for the poor of the parish. Just over twenty years later in 1655, William Gulson similarly left land to add to the growing endowment, helping to place community charity on a more secure and lasting footing.
Over the centuries, these charitable resources grew and were consolidated under the umbrella of the Moulton Poor Lands Charity, which today incorporates the Moulton Minor Charities. The Charity continues to hold its wealth primarily in agricultural land — a deliberate investment strategy chosen by the Trustees as providing the right balance between income and long-term capital growth.
Today the Charity works in partnership with local schools, social workers, Age UK, and religious leaders to identify those in greatest need. It provides regular payments to the elderly, specific grants to individuals and families facing hardship, and contributes to other charities providing services to the community.