From Bailiff to a Trustee board  – How it all began.

There are a number of ancient Charities in Chipping Sodbury, the history of which date back to Medieval times. It is to be noted that this was a common arrangement across the country.

As with most ancient towns, from the 12th century the town was administered by a Bailiff and his Bailiff Burgesses.

By the mid 1800’s a lot of the assets controlled by the Bailiff, and his team, started to get rolled into Charitable grouping with a new system of management.

On the creation of local councils these groups became responsible for a range of activities.

They provide ongoing facilities for the inhabitants of the parish at no cost to the Tax payer.

Conversely the Charities cannot provide support to activities which are the responsibilities of the Government, or mandated councils.