The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington
Legal status
The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington (charity number 1087167) is the amalgamation
of The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington and Lady Mico's Almshouse Charity and
is regulated by a Scheme of the Charity Commission dated April 2001.
The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington was founded in 1424 under the will of
Richard Whittington (1354-1423) who was four times Mayor of London and three times
Master of the Mercers' Company. Richard Whittington entrusted to the care of
the Mercers' Company his almshouses, known as Whittington College.
In 1966 the charity rebuilt these almshouses, moving from Highgate to East Grinstead,
and they now provide 56 homes for elderly ladies and a few married couples. In
addition, charitable grants and allowances are paid out annually from this estate.
See the Grants Report for further information.
The Lady Mico's Almshouse Charity was founded under the bequest of Lady Jane
Mico, widow of Sir Samuel Mico, Alderman and Mercer. In 1690 the charity built
almshouses for eight elderly women opposite St Dunstan's Church, Stepney.
In 1976 the almshouses were removed to a site in Alyward Street, Stepney and
enlarged to provide flats for eighteen residents and a warden.
Principal object
The Charity's principal object is the administration of almshouses at Whittington
College, Felbridge, Surrey and at Stepney in the London borough of Tower Hamlets.
In addition, payments are made to individuals and institutions for relief in need
and to support community welfare, the elderly, education, and the handicapped
and disabled.
