Richard Curteis and His Will and the Common Plot in Spital Oate, Grantham, Lincolnshire
Richard Curteis was a wealthy merchant who lived in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England in the 16th century. He was born in about 1514 and was the son of a wool merchant. Curteis inherited his father's business and became a successful merchant himself.
In his will, Curteis left £100 to be distributed yearly to the poor of Grantham on the day of his burial. This was a significant sum of money at the time, and it has helped to support the poor of Grantham for centuries.
The will also stipulated that the money should be used to provide food, clothing, and shelter to the poor. It also provided for the education of poor children and the construction of alms houses.
Curteis' will was a significant act of philanthropy. It was one of the first charitable trusts to be established in England, and it set a precedent for other wealthy individuals to donate their money to help those in need.
The will is still in effect today, and the money is still distributed to the poor of Grantham. The annual distribution of the money is known as the Curteis Charity, and it is a major event in the town's calendar.
The Curteis Charity is a lasting reminder of the generosity of Richard Curteis. It is a reminder of his commitment to helping those in need, and it is a source of pride for the people of Grantham.
The common plot in Spital Oate is a piece of land that was once used by the poor of Grantham to grow food. It was donated to the poor by Richard Curteis in his will.
The common plot is still in use today, and it is a valuable resource for the poor of Grantham. It provides them with a place to grow food and to learn about sustainable agriculture.
In addition to his will, Curteis also made other charitable donations during his lifetime. He gave money to the church, to the poor, and to educational institutions. He was also a benefactor of the Grantham Grammar School.
Curteis was a devout Christian and believed that it was his duty to help those in need. His charitable donations were a way for him to put his faith into action.
