Legacies and gifts to Kelmscott Manor

"The past is not dead; it is living in us and will be alive in the future, which we are now helping to build." 
William Morris

"Our commitments in securing the long term future of Kelmscott Manor far exceeds the resources we have at our disposal and by including us among the benficiaries mentioned in your will, you can play an essential part in the continuation of our work to protect William Morris' home for future generations to enjoy. Nobody is closer to the Society's core belief of investigating and preserving the material culture of past than William Morris."
Maurice Howard, President of the Society

Founded in 1707, the Society is the oldest independent learned society concerned with ‘encouragement, advancement and furtherance of the study of knowledge of the antiquities of history of this and other countries’.  William Morris was elected a Fellow of the Society in 1894 in recognition of his crusading work conservation work. His life-long interest in medieval craftsmanship allied him closely with the Society’s objective of promoting the study of the past.

In its care of Kelmscott Manor, the Society of Antiquaries of London recognises the paramount need both to preserve the cultural heritage and to create wider access to the unique experience that Kelmscott offers both as a historic site in a magnificent country setting and as a place of inspiration for learning – benefits that Morris himself most valued and that are wholly consistent with the Society’s charitable objectives today.

How your legacy or gift can support Kelmscott Manor

If William Morris’ work is important to you and you wish to ensure the continued care of Kelmscott Manor we hope you will consider making a legacy or gift to the Society in your Will. 

Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a real difference.

You can give or bequeath to the Society a sum of money, a share of your estate or specific assets. Some of the bequests left us have included a collection or specific asset such as a portfolio of shares or a house.  Other bequests have come in the form of a residuary gift, whereby the Society receives whatever is left of your estate after family and friends have been looked after.

You can make sure your will does exactly what you want it to do and honours your wishes.


Click this link for suggested wording for a legacy or gift.

Please contact:
Dominic Wallis
Head of Development
Society of Antiquaries of London
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London W1J 0BE
020 7479 7092
dwallis@sal.org.uk