Wade’s Charity is the oldest charity in Leeds founded in 1530 when lands and properties were left in the will of Thomas Wade to the people of Leeds, specifically for the maintenance of roads. This continued until 1866 when the Leeds Corporation was formed.

A new role was determined for the charity with the objective of “addressing the vital needs of the residents of a continually growing industrial city”. This included “providing and maintaining open spaces for the “benefit, recreation and health” of the residents of the “Borough of Leeds.”

At the start of the 20th century, Wade’s started acquiring land for parks and now owns approximately 20% of the open spaces in Leeds.  These lands such as Middleton Park, Gotts Park, Becketts Park, Kirkstall Abbey Park and Gledhow Valley Woods are leased back to Leeds City Council for public use for a peppercorn rent. 

As well as owning open spaces, Wade’s also provides financial support to many local organisations through its grants programme to help provide: “facilities for recreation, amusement, entertainment and general social intercourse for the inhabitants of the City of Leeds of all ages occupied in the main by the working classes”.  This includes “the establishment of what are commonly known as Community Centres and Youth Centres.”

There are hundreds of local groups, charities, sports clubs and community organisations who have benefitted previously from Wade's grants, to help them provide activities, trips, events and facilities for their members.

In-line with the Charity’s historic traditions, its work is overseen by a team of 18 Trustees including the Lord Mayor of Leeds, the Rector of Leeds, three councillors, as well as 13 volunteer Trustees. The charity also employs a Grants Adviser/Administrator who also acts as Clerk to the Trustees as well as a Property Advisor who liaises with Leeds City Council and various friends’ groups & sports clubs.

To find out more about Wade's Charity - www.wadescharity.org


Wade's Charity

Org chart

Teams

Offices

Wade's Charity

Org chart

Teams

Offices

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