Sheffield charity set up over two centuries ago continues to help silversmiths in need

A Sheffield charity set up over two centuries ago with money left in a will is continuing to help those within the silversmith trade who are in need. A lady called Mary Parsons, who died on September 30, 1815 aged 68, 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, the Sheffield Assay Office have administered the charity, undertaking annual fundraising and received donations from the trade to support the silversmiths. Unfortunately due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the Chairman and trustees have been unable to hold any fundraising events to date and it is proving difficult to secure the funds required to support the 16 beneficiaries of the charity. A difficult decision has been made to cancel the annual service at Sheffield Cathedral, however, the Chairman and trustees wish to continue to support the silversmiths.

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 for more information about The Mary Parsons Charity

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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