History

The Hervey and Elizabeth Ekins Educational Charity was founded in 1704 following the untimely and tragic death of the Ekins 15 year old daughter, Gertrude, who died whilst making a visit to Oxford on November 30th.

The Ekins charity was based on thinking way ahead of its time . They believed that education was necessary for the poor, even girls and with their strong Christian ethos they wanted the education to be in-line with the doctrines of the Church of England. By donating some of their own farmland to the charity, they were able to provide a school and a tutor to educate the poorer children in their village. The school house was opened in 1707 in Wellingborough Road, Weston Favell. The tutor was paid two shillings and sixpence a week to teach the children, that's 12.5p in today's money!

The charity has also given support to the three churches in the parishes of St Peter, Weston Favell, St Peter and St Paul, Abington and Emmanuel Church, the Parish of Great Doddington, and the area of the Borough of Northampton to help assist with educating young people, and the local parish councils have also benefited with grants for their religious educational work.

The grants provided over the years have made an enormous difference to many young people with help towards university and college education,  educational visits, and the purchase of equipment, and musical instruments.

The Ekins were selfless people, wanting God to have the glory for their good deeds. 300 years since the founding of The Ekins Trust young people are still being educated in-line with the founders' vision, and the Ekins Trust continues to be a transformative charity for many.