THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST
The objects of the CIO are to advance education for the public benefit by promoting the understanding and appreciation of the life, works and continuing influence of Laurence Sterne; primarily, but not exclusively, through maintaining and managing Shandy Hall, Coxwold, and its collections as a public museum and a centre for research, education and creativity.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity ended the year with a net expenditure of £33,446, resulting in unrestricted reserves falling to £62,041 from £95,487 the previous year. The trustees note that the loss of anticipated income from a partner publisher requires additional fundraising to meet future commitments. Despite this deficit, the trustees confirm the charity has adequate resources to continue operating on a going concern basis.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trust aims to have reserves of £60,000 (the annual running costs).” — page 9
Property (HM Land Registry)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (11/01/2022)
- Received assets from another charity (11/06/2020)
Trustees
- MEGAN ELLEN FORDEchair
- Dowager Lady POLLY MARY ANTONIA FEVERSHAM
- PETER BARDSEA MILLER
- Rachel Ann Elizabeth Feldberg
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/10/2025 | £86k | £72k |
| 31/10/2024 | £175k | £208k |
| 31/10/2023 | £86k | £91k |
| 31/10/2022 | £57k | £63k |
| 31/10/2021 | £144k | £137k |
Common questions
Is THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that the charity ended the year with a net expenditure of £33,446, resulting in unrestricted reserves falling to £62,041 from £95,487 the previous year. The trustees note that the loss of anticipated income from a partner publisher requires additional fundraising to meet future commitments. Despite this deficit, the trustees confirm the charity has adequate resources to continue operating on a going concern basis. Its FY2024 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK government | 16/02/2023 | £166k | Museum Estate and Development fund |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 17/08/2020 | £27k | "COVID19 Laurence Sterne Trust" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 16/08/2017 | £4k | "T H Robinson 'A Sentimental Journey' Original Drawings" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 14/06/2017 | £84k | "The Most Sentimental of Journeys" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 22/03/2013 | £86k | "The Good Humour Club: Laughter and Leisure in Eighteenth-Century York" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 11/09/2008 | £200k | "'Opening the Door''; Increasing understanding of a house and collection" |