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Somerset House Trust

Also known as: Somerset House Limited

Somerset House Trust was established in 1997 to enhance the education of the public by the provision of a centre for the arts and to maintain the buildings for the benefit of the local and international community as an example of English national heritage. At its heart lies a creative community of innovative businesses and social enterprises which contribute to the vibrancy and energy of the site.

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Activities & Mission

Somerset House Trust was established in 1997 to enhance the education of the public by the provision of a centre for the arts and to maintain the buildings for the benefit of the local and international community as an example of English national heritage. At its heart lies a creative community of innovative businesses and social enterprises which contribute to the vibrancy and energy of the site.

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.

Region

Financial Information

Latest Income
£25,257,000
Latest Expenditure
£27,033,000

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 94.3%
% of income going directly to charitable activities
Overall Efficiency 88.1%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Administrative Ratio 1.4%
Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £1,099,000
Charitable Activities £18,138,000
Other Trading £5,645,000
Investments £358,000
Other Income £17,000

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £23,809,000
Raising Funds £238,000
Governance £150,000
Grants to Institutions £0
Other Expenditure £2,986,000

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2025
£25,257,000
£27,033,000£23,809,000£78,338,000£1,954,000125 / 60
2024
£25,510,000
£24,933,000£22,229,000£80,114,000£1,979,000114 / 69
2023
£21,187,000
£22,555,000£20,338,000£79,537,000£3,476,000108 / 72
2022
£16,954,000
£17,701,000£15,682,000£80,905,000£3,280,00083 / 107
2021
£11,948,000
£12,594,000£11,384,000£81,652,000£3,037,00084 / 95

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Somerset House Trust

What does Somerset House Trust do?

Somerset House Trust was established in 1997 to enhance the education of the public by the provision of a centre for the arts and to maintain the buildings for the benefit of the local and international community as an example of English national heritage. At its heart lies a creative community of innovative businesses and social enterprises which contribute to the vibrancy and energy of the site.

How much income did Somerset House Trust report in 2025?

Somerset House Trust reported total income of £25.26m and reported expenditure of £27.03m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was Somerset House Trust registered as a charity?

Somerset House Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 29 July 1997 as charity number 1063640. It has been registered for 29 years.

Who runs Somerset House Trust?

Somerset House Trust is governed by a board of 14 trustees. The chair of trustees is Baroness Gail Ruth Rebuck. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Somerset House Trust operate?

Somerset House Trust operates in London, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is Somerset House Trust a registered charity?

Yes — Somerset House Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1063640.

Details

Address
Somerset House Trust
Somerset House
Strand
LONDON
WC2R 1LA
Registration Date
29 July 1997
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
3940385
Charity Number
1063640

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Trustees

Baroness Gail Ruth Rebuck Chair
Alan Leibowitz
Alix Burge
Dawid Konotey-Adadey KONOTEY-AHULU
Elliott John Linger
Also governs 1 other charity
Harry Matovu
Helen Protheroe
Also governs 1 other charity
Jennifer Duvalier
Jessica Emily Tamsedge
Jonathan Edward Newhouse
Also governs 1 other charity
Martine Lesley D'Anglejan-Chatillon
Paul Jonathan Goswell
Peter Wodehouse Williams
Also governs 1 other charity
Sophie Turner Laing
Also governs 2 other charities

Also Known As

  • Somerset House Limited
  • Somerset House Trust

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
30 July 2026
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