Selby United Charities

As far back as 1664 the principal charities of the town were vested under the control of trustees known as Feoffees. Fifteen persons were nominated to use the funds accumulated from estates bequeathed over the years for the benefit of the town 

A list of recipients of alms was revised each year on the 21st December when widows and other needy people in the parish of Selby could apply to the treasurer or other members for help. It was noted half of the average number of recipients were on parish relief. The largest amount given each year was five shillings but aid once given continued until the recipient died.

Six penny loaves were also presented to those receiving gifts of money and to many who were not.

The Commissioners' inspector in Selby disapproved of food handouts on just one day when there was a need for it throughout the year. He realised it was difficult administer funds to everyone's satisfaction but advised them to strive to avoid pauperism and increase their funds. Some of this could be achieved, he said, by putting up rents and making savings by cutting down the amount of bell-ringing!

Today the responsibility for these funds and the almshouses come undertake auspices of Selby United Charities

* From 'The History of Selby, North Yorkshire. From Earliest Times to the year 2000' - Patricia Scott [2004]