John Plummer’s Charity

John Plummer was a Mendip-top farmer in the early 1700’s. Aged, unwell and nearly blind, he made his will, leaving half of his property and its income for the benefit of the “second poor”  ( those with no relief or Parish pay ) of Priddy and half for West Harptree. John Plummer died on June 11^th 1736.

Quoting from his gravestone in Priddy Church :           

Happy the man whose tender care,

Relieves the poor distrest.

When troubles compass him around,

The Lord shall give him rest. “

Plummer’s Farm was tenanted until 1975, with the small surplus income distributed between Priddy and West Harptree. The Charity Commission then gave permission for the farm to be sold, and the proceeds invested. This the Trustees successfully achieved and the income provides help for parishioners.

Grants are made from the Charity to help those in need or support, in the spirit of the original wishes of John Plummer. If you know of anyone who could benefit from this help, please contact :.

Ian Jennings.   The Clerk to the Trustees

Chapel House. Nine Barrows Lane, Priddy. BA5 3BH

In addition, for a number of years, helpful payments have also been made from this charity to Students from the parish of Priddy, when following a Further or Higher Education Course.

The Trustees have decided to change this further education payment to provide support reflecting  John Plummer's desire to help Priddy parishioners.

From January 2020, a single and more generous payment  will be made to each 16 to21 year-old beginning an apprenticeship, starting self-employment,or following higher education. The Trustees  will be pleased to hear from those wishing to register their interest by applying with brief details to Ian Jennings as above.

If you receive a payment, do think of John Plummer and the good his action has achieved over so many years.

The Trustees.  December 2019.

            With acknowledgements to Ted King