A great read, thank you. I'm pretty sure I'd heard of the Henry Smith Charity, I may even have helped groups apply for a grant to them, but had no idea of this background.
It’s worth looking at what they do fund and their modern mission statement… and trying to understand whether any of it would make sense to Henry Smith in 1627. And whether that even matters. Social and moral attitudes can change in a matter of years, trying to keep track over 400 years is perhaps futile.
Similar ancient charities have an immense impact on modern life. Greenwich Hospital, for instance, has few friends among long-established local businesses forced out by escalating rents to turn the old centre into a tourist and multiple-store haven.
What a great piece of research and storytelling. I've been dilly-dallying about becoming a paid subscriber for months but this clinched it. Your Inspiring and important reporting about London is much needed. Keep up the great work in 2026!
Fascinating article. We need more writing like yours. London has so many unknown stories.
open.substack.com/pub/taraq2/p/w?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Thank you. What a marvelous intertwining of the two stories
Fantastic article, thank you. But a warning to others - do not google Brogan Garrit-Smith without blood pressure tablets/ a sick bucket handy.
open.substack.com/pub/taraq2/p/w?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
A great read, thank you. I'm pretty sure I'd heard of the Henry Smith Charity, I may even have helped groups apply for a grant to them, but had no idea of this background.
It’s worth looking at what they do fund and their modern mission statement… and trying to understand whether any of it would make sense to Henry Smith in 1627. And whether that even matters. Social and moral attitudes can change in a matter of years, trying to keep track over 400 years is perhaps futile.
Similar ancient charities have an immense impact on modern life. Greenwich Hospital, for instance, has few friends among long-established local businesses forced out by escalating rents to turn the old centre into a tourist and multiple-store haven.
Fantastic research and telling of the two stories. The long arm of history is a thing to wonder at.
What a great piece of research and storytelling. I've been dilly-dallying about becoming a paid subscriber for months but this clinched it. Your Inspiring and important reporting about London is much needed. Keep up the great work in 2026!
What a brilliant piece of research!