Charitable Trusts

The Ironmongers’ Company aims to maximise the use of its human and financial resources to help people make the most of their lives and to maintain a link with its historic origins.

Ironmongers' Foundation

The Ironmongers' Foundation (formerly Quincentenary Charitable fund) was established in 1963 to mark the 500th anniversary of the granting of the Company's charter by King Edward IV. It relies on donations from the Company and its freemen, industry and the public. The funds are used to foster the Company's connection with the iron and steel trade.

Sir Robert Geffery's Trust

Sir Robert Geffery was twice Master of the Company and was Lord Mayor of London in 1685. Born in the village of Landrake in Cornwall, he died in London in 1704 having made his fortune in overseas trade. He left a substantial endowment for almshouses which were built in Shoreditch, east London. These were sold in 1910 to London County Council and now house the Geffrye Museum. The Company then built new almshouses at Mottingham in Kent, which in turn were sold, in 1972, to the Greater London Council. Today the Trust owns two almshouses in Hampshire, one at Hook built in 1976 and enlarged in 1987 and one at Basingstoke which was opened in 1984. These provide sheltered housing for 125 retired people of limited means. Grants focus on educational projects for children and young people in disadvantaged areas. A bursary is given to support a student at the City of London School for Girls.

Sir Robert Geffery's School, Landrake

Sir Robert Geffery's Trust owns a Church of England voluntary aided primary school and pre-school at Landrake in Cornwall. It has been rebuilt to a high standard to accommodate 210 children. The Company appoints eight Foundation Governors. Please use this link to view the School's web site: www.sir-robert-gefferys.cornwall.sch.uk

Thomas Betton's Trust

The Trust, established in the name of Thomas Betton, a City merchant and Ironmonger who died in 1723, makes grants for educational activities and resources to schools in areas of high deprivation. It works in partnership with the schools, supporting work which addresses the social, emotional and behavioural development of children from challenging backgrounds. The good practice developed by the Betton's partner schools is disseminated through the Church of England website, christianvalues4schools.co.uk. The company makes a number of Presentations to Christ's Hospital and has two Presentations in perpetuity bequeathed by Thomas Hanbey in 1782. A bursary for a pupil at King Edward's School, Witley is also given. One quarter of Thomas Betton's charity is for schools in the dioceses of London and Southwark. From this income the company gives an annual grant to support two choristers at St Paul's Cathedral School.

The Ironmongers' Trust Company

The Ironmongers' Trust Company is a company limited by guarantee - Registered Company number 07469661. Its Registered Charity number is 1142175 and it is the trustee of the charities identified above.

For more information on the causes we support, please visit our Giving area.