LEARN Topic: Bamburgh Castle Welfare State

Bamburgh Castle Welfare State

The will of Nathaniel, Lord Crewe, Bishop of Durham (1663-1721) set out that surplus income from his estates should be used for charitable purposes. Some of these funds were used to establish a pioneering ‘welfare state’ in the Northumberland village of Bamburgh.

In this module we look at the various aspects of this welfare state, Lord Crewe whose generosity allowed the establishment of the Charity, and Dr. John Sharp whose foresight and skills were responsible for it’s development.

For more information on Dr John Sharp’s initiatives on shipwrecks and the Lukin Lifeboat, see our module Shipwrecks & Rescues.

Documents

Nathaniel, Lord Crewe & Lord Crewe’s Charity

This section explores the life and legacy of Nathaniel, Lord Crewe, and the establishment of Lord Crewe’s Charity.

NRO 452-C-3-1-10-56

Dr. John Sharp 

This section explores the life and work of Dr. John Sharp, and the Bamburgh Charities he established.

Plan of Bamburgh Castle Girls’ School, Bamburgh, Northumberland, nd. [c.1790]. Ref: NRO 00452/D/8/4/8/44

Schools

This section explores documents relating to the boys’ and girls’ charitable schools set up at Bamburgh Castle.

Infirmary & Dispensary

This section explores documents relating to the infirmary and dispensary at Bamburgh Castle.

Corn Charity, Granary, and Cheap Shop

This section explores documents relating to the Bamburgh Castle Corn Charity and subsequent granary and cheap shop.

Shipwrecks

This section explores the frequency of shipwrecks around Bamburgh Castle and the measures introduced to assist ships in trouble along with shipwreck victims.