Services
Mary Smart and Margaret Clayton Charity
The charities were established in the 17th century for the purpose of providing bread to the poorer members of the community in an age almost totally lacking in social welfare provision.
At this time Woolaston parish was largely agricultural and although there existed a number of well-to-do families in the village many people suffered considerable economic deprivation. Mary Smart, a prosperous lady of the village, requested in her will that a charitable trust be set up to provide relief to the poor of the parish. A year after her death in 1684 reference is made to “Mrs Smart of this Parish, gave 20s yearly in bread, for poor widows and fatherless children”
The other charity was established by Margeret Clayton who was born in Woolaston but lived much of her life in Chepstow following her first marriage. She was born in 1536 and remarkably lived until 1627 dying at the ripe old age of 90. In her later years Margaret was reputed to be the wealthiest woman in Chepstow owning considerable land and property including the George Inn (possibly the one known today as the George Hotel). In her will she left small sums of money to the poor of Chepstow, Woolaston, Alvington, Monmouth and Magor.
The charities are now merged and for administrative benefit the funds have recently been consolidated into one account with Lloyds bank.
In 1971 a new Governing Instruction was sealed by the Charity Commissioners changing the Application of Income to the following:
‘The Trustees shall apply the clear income of the Charity for the relief of poor persons resident in the Ancient Parish of Woolaston either in gifts or grants of money. Provided that income shall not be applied directly in relief of rates, taxes or other public funds, but may be applied in supplementary relief or assistance to that provided out of public funds”
The fund has benefitted from a historical £1 levy imposed on Roseville, a local property opposite the shop, plus interest earned on the balance in the account.