The Thomas Hickman Charity was Aylesbury’s first and only Independent Privately-Endowed Charity.

Thomas Hickman was born about 1637 and he lived at No 1 Church Street, Aylesbury, as did many of his cousins and their families in later years. He died in 1698. After his death the five cottages he had inherited became Almshouses for the poor people of Aylesbury.

These were to be under the direction of the churchwardens of St Mary’s Church, overseers and Trustees. Following the sale of land owned by the Hickman family more houses in Aylesbury were purchased and these Almshouses were to be occupied by elderly Aylesbury people who were in need. The Charity is now the largest freeholder in Aylesbury Old Town currently owning 49 properties.

For more information on the history of Thomas Hickman and the charity please download ‘What would Thomas Think? By Angela M. Smith - Please click here to download

Today the charity has five Trustees, including the chairperson and the rector of St Mary’s Church.

The Trustees meet monthly (except August) to address matters concerning the Almshouses and consider applications for hardship grants.

The charity is registered with the Charities Commission (Number 202973) and works under the informal guidance of the Almshouse Association.

As well as providing financial ‘Relief in Need’ for individuals, the charity is pleased to have been able to support others local charities who serve Aylesbury.