The Man Behind The Mission
Honouring the vision of Samuel Brunts and the generations who have carried it forward.
The Story of Brunts Charity
Samuel Brunts: The Founder
Samuel Brunts was a man ahead of his time. Deeply rooted in Mansfield and District, he recognised the long-term value in giving back and hence he used his wealth on his death as a charitable bequest for the good and benefit of its community going forward.
His original endowment, aided the poor and needy and supported young children to fund their education and it additionally supported older people through grants to cover basic necessities, however over time, with society evolving, so too did his Scheme objectives and today, we as custodians of our founder, continue to carry out his bequest by supporting those most in need, through providing low-cost homes, grants and pensions to our older generation within our local community.
OUR ORIGINS
History of Brunts Charity
- Charity formed back in 1711 by our founder, Mr. Samuel Brunts.
- Family originated from East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. Mansfield connect is via Samuel's grandfather, Mr. Roland Dand. (Originally from Mansfield Woodhouse)
- Grandfather lived in a cottage on the former site now at Brunts Chambers Building at Leeming Street/Toothill Lane, where the Grade II Listed Building, serves as our main admin office today.
- Samuel Brunts acquired his wealth via his family who were land owners and, on his death, he had written in his will that his sisters were to acquire his estate and, on their passing, (without heirs) a Trust be established for the needy people of Mansfield and District.
- The Charity came under the Charitable Trust Act of 1853 and is regulated by a scheme of The Charity Commission of England and Wales on 10 May 2007. (including the amalgamation of the John Greenwood Charity)
- The Charity's latest scheme, formulated the current objectives in support of its beneficiaries by providing Almshouses, grants and pensions to older persons within the geographical location of Mansfield and District.
Established 1711
Over 300 years of charitable service in Mansfield
Independent Living Support
Promoting dignity and independence
150+ Almshouse Properties
Safe, supportive homes for older people in need
Located in Central Mansfield
Serving the community from the heart of the town
Locally Governed
Run by 11 Trustees with strong ties to Mansfield
Growth Through the Centuries
Adapting to the Community's Needs
Over the years, Brunts Charity has evolved whilst remaining true to Samuel Brunts vision of helping those most in need, through dignity, compassion and service. Today’s Trustees and Staff, remain committed in delivering our founders legacy as being a local charity, we remain closely connected to the Mansfield and District community and its changes
Legacy Since
1711
A Visible Presence
Charity Headquarters in the Heart of Town
The Brunts Charity office is located at Brunts Chambers (Grade II Listed Building) at the top of Leeming Street and along Toothill Lane, which is right in the centre of Mansfield town. From this base, our team of volunteers and staff continue their vital day-to-day work with passion, care and professionalism.
Supporting Independent Living
Providing Homes with Purpose
Today, our core activity is providing and maintain over 150 Almhouses, across three central Mansfield, geographical locations. These homes vary between one bed flats or bungalows and two bed bungalows and are available to our beneficiaries living local, aged 60 years or older (minimum 55 years with recognised disability) who are in need of financial assistance, or are classed vulnerable. All beneficiaries are known as residents (not tenants) reflecting our unique Almshouse charity status which offers low-cost homes in a safe, supportive and independent living environment.
Continuing the Legacy
Built on Local Trust and Leadership
Brunts Charity today is strategically led via it trustees and are made up from eleven local trustees from Mansfield and District. Operationally, day-to-day the trustees employ a team of nine professional, dedicated staff, including a Chief Executive, Operations Director, Administrative Executive, Welfare and Safeguarding Officer, Site Manager, Support Officer, and Housekeepers. Together our collective teams continue to operationally run our facilities/service delivery, for our beneficiaries, whilst senior management/trustees continue to strategically develop the charity so that we continue to remain fit-for-purpose and of benefit to the community going forward.
Ready to apply for a Brunts Property, Grant or Pension?
If you’re over 60 years or 55 years with recognised disability; live in the Mansfield and District area and are in need of independent living housing or a one-off, grant or pension — we’d love to hear from you.