Napper Charity
Registered Charity Number: 230829
The Napper Charity is a long‑established parish charity that supports residents of Puncknowle and West Bexington. Its income comes from the Napper Charity allotments at Looke Lane and is used to provide charitable grants in accordance with the purposes of the charity.
The charity is administered by Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council, which acts as Trustee.
History of the Napper Charity
The Napper Charity originated in the late 16th century when William Napper, who became Rector of Puncknowle in 1597, bequeathed £10 “for the use of the poor in Puncknowle for ever”.
It is thought that this money was used to purchase approximately two acres of land, known historically as the Parish Ground or Napper’s Charity. The land was let by the Churchwardens and Overseers, and the rental income was used to support the poor of the parish alongside the poor rate.
Records held by the Charity Commission show that the rent from the land was one guinea in 1786, remaining at that level until 1813, before later changes in the 19th century.
Under the Local Government Act 1894, the land was transferred to Puncknowle Parish Council on 20 December 1894, since when the Parish Council has acted as Trustee. In 2001 the council became Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council, although the charity’s governing rules restrict grant awards to residents of Puncknowle and West Bexington only.
Allotments at Looke Lane
By 2003 local residents had expressed interest in using the land as allotments. The existing tenancy with a local farmer was ended, and in 2004 the field was laid out to provide 17 allotment plots, which continue to be managed by the Parish Council.
From 2024, residents of neighbouring villages may apply for an allotment only where no waiting list exists for residents of Puncknowle, Swyre, and West Bexington.
Income from the allotments is the sole source of funding for the Napper Charity.
Grants
Grants may be awarded in accordance with the charitable purposes of the Napper Charity to people who live in:
- Puncknowle
- West Bexington
Please note that, under the terms of the charity, grants cannot be awarded to residents of Swyre.
👉 For information about how to apply for a grant, please contact the Parish Clerk.
Governance
- Charity Name: The Napper Charity
- Registered Charity Number: 230829
- Trustee: Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council
Contact
For enquiries about allotments or grant applications, please contact:
Parish Clerk
Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council
clerk@puncknowle-swyre-pc.gov.uk