Leaving a legacy is the most enduring gift that you can give to Chawton House
Please make a pledge to Chawton House in your Will
As a registered charity, Chawton House relies now, more than ever on the support of individuals. One of the ways that you can help to ensure that the house, gardens and library remain accessible and inspirational for future generations to come, is by supporting us with a gift in your Will. Anyone can include a gift in their Will, however large or small, and all legacies are gratefully received.
How your legacy will work
Your legacy will help us to engage with as many people as possible on the collections – fostering greater awareness, understanding and research into early women’s writing, and enabling these women writers to speak directly to – and inspire – future generations. Legacies can also be directed to a specific area of work that best reflects your personal interests, including acquisitions, conservation, research and building development.
If you choose to remember Chawton House in your Will, there are three ways that you can support:
- A Pecuniary Legacy which is the gift of a specific sum of money
- A Residuary Legacy which is a donation of the remainder or a percentage of your estate after all debts, taxes, expenses and other bequests have been made
- A Specific Bequest which is the gift of a specific property, personal possession or asset including books, works of art, property and stocks and shares.
A gift in your Will to Chawton House can prove extremely tax-efficient. We have full charitable status – and gifts made in this special way are not subject to inheritance tax.
US taxpayers may wish to leave a legacy in US$ through the North American Friends of Chawton House – a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit. Please contact them at: https://www.nafch.org/contact
1817 Legacy Circle
The 1817 Legacy Circle was established on 27 April 2014 in Chawton as a way to thank those supporters of Chawton House who have made a legacy pledge. Our founding member is Professor Joan Ray, previously President of the North American Friends of Chawton House.
The legacy circle also commemorates the 27 April 1817 which was the date that Jane Austen signed her own last will and testament at home in Chawton.
Members of the 1817 Legacy Circle will receive regular correspondence directly from our Librarian to keep them informed and involved with our unique library collection. They will also be invited to a special event here at Chawton House – in addition to receiving, as a small token of our gratitude, a quill badge in recognition of their commitment and support.
To enable us to welcome you as a member of the 1817 Legacy Circle and to thank you for your kindness and generosity, do please let us know if you have decided to leave Chawton House a legacy or bequest. Such a pledge does not commit you in any way, but it does give us the opportunity to plan for the future.
If you would like further information please contact us by using our contact form.
All enquiries will be treated confidentially.