By deed poll, reciting that David Bradley, of Crutched Friars, in the city of London, and Septimus Bradley of Ashborne, merchants (sons of Joseph Bradley, of Ashborne, banker and grocer), had purchased £300 3% Consolidated Bank Annuities in the name of the Governors and Assistants of the Free Grammar School of Ashborne that the same from time to time as the dividends and annual proceeds should become due, lay out the same in the purchase of coals, potatoes, bread, flour, meal, provisions, clothing, and apparel, or any of them, and yearly in the month of March in every year distribute the same to such poor persons, inhabitants of the town of Ashborne, as the Governors and Assistants think proper.
Taken from the Minutes of the Old trust Meetings
(Some examples)
22nd February 1861
Ordered that the sum of nine pounds the annual Dividend of the Bradleys’ Charity be distributed pursuant to their Declaration respecting the same to the several poor persons named at this meeting.
19th March 1867
The sum of nine pounds the amount of the years Dividend upon Mr Bradleys Charity was allowed to be distributed to the poor persons whose names were approved of at this meeting and this meeting confirms the accustomed mode of dispersing the charity in groceries upon tickets of one shilling and sixpence each.
1st October 1885
The Treasurer reported he had received a cheque for £100 from the executors of the late Mr Edwin Bradley the money bequested by him in augmentation of “Bradleys Charity” expenses.
“To the Governors and Assistants of the Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School as Trustees of the Ashborne Charities the sum of £100 free of legacy duty upon trust to invest the same, and I direct that the income shall be added to the income from time to time arising from the monies settled by deed in trust by my late uncles David and Septimus Bradley and be distributed in like manner and at the same time”
12th March 1907
At this meeting the list of recipients for Bradley’s Charity was revised. It was ordered that Mr J Edge should supply the Groceries.
5th March 1908
It was resolved that a sum of about £10 be distributed out of the balance to the credit of Bradleys Charity in the manner recommended by the Finance Committee viz:- 2/- worth of
Groceries consisting of:-
½ lb of Tea
4 lb of Sugar
1 lb of Soap
½ lb of Bacon Total cost 2/-
It was also resolved that for this year the goods to be supplied by Mess’s Smedley Brothers and Mellor Grocers Ashbourne.
1st May 1913
The list of the Recipients of Bradley’s Gift was revised, and the contract for the supply of Groceries was allotted to mess’s Smedley Bros & Mellor.
26th February 1914
It was resolved that the Groceries for Bradley’s Gifts be this year supplied by J. Edge.
22nd February 1915
It was resolved that the Groceries for Bradley’s Gifts be this year supplied by Howell & Marsden Ltd.
21st February 1916
It was resolved that the Groceries for Bradley’s Gifts be supplied by mess’s J . Mellor & Son, and that instead of the groceries being specified on the tickets, that each Recipient be entitled to get what articles they pleased to the value of 2/- .
2nd February 1943
The list of the Recipients of the Grocery Charity was revised, and the Clerk was requested to make similar arrangements with the Food Control Officer for the distribution.
1st February 1949
The List of Recipients of Bradley’s Grocery Gift of 2/6d was then considered and seven names were deleted, bringing the number down to 79.
5th February 1952
The Governors then considered the lists of recipients of Bradley’s Grocery Gift , nine names were deleted and ten new names added to the list making a total of 65 at 3/- ie. £9. 15. 0d.
7th February 1956
On the award of Bradleys ‘ Grocery Gift, seven names were deleted and seven names added, leaving 49 persons each to receive 3/6d in value.
7th February 1961
The allocation of Bradley’s Grocery Gift – three names being deleted and three names added – leaving 43 to receive a gift of 5/- at a cost of £10. 15s 0d.
This was the last distribution to be made as the Scheme of 1962 for the Ashbourne Poor was adopted