The Rebecca Hussey Book Charity (Charity No 207101) distributes about £7,000 a year in books to the libraries of religious institutions, particularly retreat houses. It was set up from the will of Rebecca Hussey who died in 1714. The Trustees want to mark her tercentenary next year but are not able to find the archives of the charity which seems to have been re-formed in 1865.
It is believed that Rebecca was born circa 1668 but no record of her baptism has yet been found. Rebecca Hussey was in her mid forties when she died unmarried on 21st August 1714. Research has found references to other charities bearing her name, most notably, one for the relief of prisoners and another that was established in St Helena in 1865. What information has been found describes her as ‘Mrs’ Rebecca Hussey, eldest daughter of Sir Thomas Hussey, Bart, (1639-1706) late of Doddington in the county of Lincoln. As her father was also a Hussey, it seems she had been given the honorary title of ‘Mrs’ (mistress).
Trustees of the charity are interested to hear from anyone who might have information about the archives of the Rebecca Hussey Book charity – particularly prior to its 1865 re-formation. I’m happy to receive and forward any responses to them.
Declan Kelly
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