Giving Thanks to Sheffield's Silversmiths

A Sheffield charity set up over two centuries ago with money left in a will is continuing to help those within the silversmithing trade in the City of Sheffield. Mary Parsons, who died on September 30, 1815, left a bequest in her will for the amount of £1,500 to benefit old, infirm and poor silversmiths in Sheffield.

Aimed at her executors, the will instructed the money to be given away annually on St John's Day in memory of her late brother John Parsons, one of the earliest Sheffield platers and silversmiths who passed away a year prior.

Since 1993, Sheffield Assay Office have administered the charity, undertaking annual fundraising and receives donations from the trade to support the silversmiths. We are very grateful for the donations received this year to support a small number of beneficiaries. 

The annual Mary Parsons Charity service will take place on Tuesday 27th December at Sheffield Cathedral - we would love to see you there to help us give thanks to the silversmiths of the City.

If you are unable to attend the service we encourage you to call into the Cathedral over the festive season to see the memorial plaque dedicated to John and Mary Parsons and the wonderful Christmas trees that will be on display as part of the Sheffield Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival. The trees will be in place from 29th November until 2nd January, further details can be found by visiting the Sheffield Cathedral website.

If you would like to make a donation to the charity, contributions would be gratefully received. Cheques should be made payable to the 'Mary Parsons Charity' and sent to Sheffield Assay Office, Guardians’ Hall, 2 Beulah Road, Hillsborough, S6 2AN.

Click here to find out more about Mary Parsons

The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.

To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,

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