<div><strong>A 383-year-old charitable promise. Now facing its most important test.</strong>
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<div>In 1642, Henry Robinson bequeathed land in Thanet to fund scholarships and fellowships for those born in the area. St John’s College, Cambridge was appointed as trustee to oversee this legacy.
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<div>Over 383 years later, serious questions have arisen.
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<ul>
<li>BBC coverage: “Large estate may be derailed by 400-year-old will”: <a href="https://bbc.in/4v1ULCz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://bbc.in/4v1ULCz" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://bbc.in/4v1ULCz</a></a>
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<li>Intro video: <a href="https://bit.ly/4thAabF" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://bit.ly/4thAabF" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://bit.ly/4thAabF</a></a>
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<li>Facebook group: <a href="https://bit.ly/3PHs7qe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://bit.ly/3PHs7qe" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://bit.ly/3PHs7qe</a></a>
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<li>Beneficiary Register: <a href="https://bit.ly/4s1ui5q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://bit.ly/4s1ui5q" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://bit.ly/4s1ui5q</a></a>
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<div><strong>What We Have Found</strong>
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<div>Based on public records and Freedom of Information requests:
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<div>•	No documentation has been identified evidencing the award of scholarships or fellowships under the 1642 will
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<div>•	No documentation has been identified showing that the trust was formally varied or brought to an end.
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<div><strong>Why This Matters Now</strong>
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<div>In December 2025, outline planning permission was granted for up to 1,600 homes on land in Birchington forming part of the trust land.
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<div>Legal proceedings are now underway in the High Court in relation to this issue.
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<div><strong>Our Mission</strong>
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<div>The Thanet Trust Association was established to represent the intended beneficiaries of this bequest.
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<div>We seek transparency in the administration of the trust and accountability in decisions affecting the land — including the planning process through which it is being developed.
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<div><strong>Why We Need Your Help</strong>
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<div>We have commenced judicial review proceedings and are pursuing related legal challenges to ensure proper consideration of the trust’s charitable purpose.
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<div><strong>This work involves:</strong>
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<div>•	Court fees and filing costs
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<div>•	Legal advice and representation
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<div>•	Ongoing investigation and evidence gathering
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<div>Your support makes this work possible.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<div>This is a community-led effort to ensure a historic charitable legacy is properly understood and upheld.
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<div>Every contribution — no matter how big or small — helps ensure that this 383-year-old legacy is properly understood and accounted for.
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<div>If you are unable to donate, sharing this page is equally valuable.
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<div><strong>Thank You!</strong>
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Hilary Gossage

Stuart McRae

Patricia Donovan

Carol Hetherington

Patricia Thurley

Colin W Bridge

Lorrain Powderham

Julie Sears-stewart

Sarah Wyld

Anne Ward

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Donna Carr

Jane Staton

The Thanet Trust Association - Legal and Investigation Fund

Just £724£ to go! Make an impact.

The Thanet Trust Association - Legal and Investigation Fund

Just £724 to go!
Make an impact.