Leigh (Manchester) Henry Travice Charity

Henry Travice died in 1626 and left funds in his will to give a portion of rent from his property to charity. £10 was generous in its day but doesn’t go so far in the twenty-first century; until recently the sum was divided between the vicars of Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley  and was handed out by Henry’s grave. When the charity began, this was in the churchyard but as the church was subsequently extended over the grave, it now takes place inside the church itself. It happens every Maundy Thursday, usually at the start of the evening service of Holy Communion and nowadays once the funds are handed over they are donated to the local food bank.

Helpful Hints

There’s a brass plaque in church with the history of the bequest next to where Henry is believed to be buried (not easy to spot, on the end of a pew next to one of the pillars on the north side of the nave).

In 2025  it should be on Thursday 17th April.

In 2023 the custom returned to its usual evening slot at 7.30. In 2022 the service was different to normal and was held at noon; this coincided with the children’s Easter treat, which was a good opportunity to spread the word about the tradition to a new generation. I was very privileged to be the recipient of the dole envelope before handing it back to the Vicar for charity.

Click here for the church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StMaryTheVirginLeigh