THE LEWES PRIORY TRUST
The Lewes Priory Trust manages the remains of the Cluniac Priory of St Pancras, Lewes, East Sussex on behalf of Lewes Town Council. The objects of the charity are to preserve and enhance the historic monument for the benefit off the public and residents of Lewes.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity ended the financial year with a notional surplus of £6,669 and total unrestricted reserves of £23,824. The trustees note that these reserves are expected to be quickly reduced in the following year due to the incurrence of deferred expenditure on education and fundraising. The charity is fully volunteer-run with no employees and relies on grants and donations for its operations.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trust’s reserves policy adopted in FY23 requires reserves to be kept in the range of £13,000 to £19,000, and to be rebuilt if falling below that range, or applied to new projects if above that range.”
Trustees
- ARTHUR JOHN FRANKLINchair
- CHRISTOPHER JOHN MCGOVERN
- Martin John Russell
- Susan Jean Murray
- Timothy Robert Russell-Croucher
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £27k | £20k |
| 31/03/2024 | £22k | £21k |
| 31/03/2023 | £28k | £31k |
| 31/03/2022 | £17k | £15k |
| 31/03/2021 | £18k | £20k |
Common questions
Is THE LEWES PRIORY TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity ended the financial year with a notional surplus of £6,669 and total unrestricted reserves of £23,824. The trustees note that these reserves are expected to be quickly reduced in the following year due to the incurrence of deferred expenditure on education and fundraising. The charity is fully volunteer-run with no employees and relies on grants and donations for its operations. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 28/03/2014 | £10k | "Feasting, Fighting and Freedom" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 19/10/2012 | £97k | "Putting Lewes Priory on the Map" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 18/09/2008 | £607k | "Priory Park - Lewes/Bringing To Life A Medieval Monastery" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 27/05/2005 | £27k | "Enhancement of Lewes Priory" |