Chawton House Library

Also known as: The Centre for the Study of Early English Women's Writing

To promote study and research into early women's literature.To protect restore and preserve Chawton House, Hampshire and the surrounding estate for the benefit of the public.

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Activities & Mission

To promote study and research into early women's literature.To protect restore and preserve Chawton House, Hampshire and the surrounding estate for the benefit of the public.

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Local Authority

Hampshire

Financial Information

Latest Income

£641,115

Latest Expenditure

£661,586

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 73.7%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 32% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 962). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 71.4%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 11% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 28.6%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 8% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £138,506

Charitable Activities £177,456

Other Trading £230,695

Investments £89,980

Other Income £4,478

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £472,639

Raising Funds £188,947

Governance £0

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2024	£641,115	£661,586	£472,639	£8,133,483	£0	14 / 80
2023	£653,049	£711,895	£564,620	£8,153,954	£29,000	25 / 73
2022	£601,624	£738,460	£576,733	£8,212,800	£30,000	26 / 60
2021	£533,563	£675,216	£548,237	£8,349,636	£100,000	22 / 70
2020	£543,357	£618,385	£544,512	£8,491,289	£100,000	20 / 70

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Chawton House Library

What does Chawton House Library do?

To promote study and research into early women's literature.To protect restore and preserve Chawton House, Hampshire and the surrounding estate for the benefit of the public.

How much income did Chawton House Library report in 2024?

Chawton House Library reported total income of £641k and reported expenditure of £662k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is Chawton House Library?

Chawton House Library has a program ratio of 73.7%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 32% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 962 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was Chawton House Library registered as a charity?

Chawton House Library was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 6 October 1993 as charity number 1026921. It has been registered for 33 years.

Who runs Chawton House Library?

Chawton House Library is governed by a board of 9 trustees. The chair of trustees is LOUISE ANSDELL. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Chawton House Library operate?

Chawton House Library operates in Hampshire, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is Chawton House Library a registered charity?

Yes — Chawton House Library is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1026921.