The Historic Chapels Trust
Also known as: Historic Chapels Trust, Hct
To own for the benefit of the public generally redundant churches chapels meeting houses and non-Anglican places of worship in England of outstanding architectural and historic interest. To secure for public benefit the preservation, repair and maintenance of its buildings including and contents, burial grounds and curtilages..
Activities & Mission
To own for the benefit of the public generally redundant churches chapels meeting houses and non-Anglican places of worship in England of outstanding architectural and historic interest. To secure for public benefit the preservation, repair and maintenance of its buildings including and contents, burial grounds and curtilages..
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
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 75% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 344). How is this calculated?
Higher than 81% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 17% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £2,158,419 | £2,099,960 | £2,088,558 | £435,443 | £391,805 | 0 / 18 |
| 2024 | £923,091 | £760,162 | £757,612 | £376,984 | £186,753 | 0 / 21 |
| 2023 | £46,323 | £181,423 | 0 / 21 | |||
| 2022 | £213,200 | £287,062 | 0 / 100 | |||
| 2021 | £282,333 | £290,281 | 0 / 200 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Historic Chapels Trust
What does The Historic Chapels Trust do?
To own for the benefit of the public generally redundant churches chapels meeting houses and non-Anglican places of worship in England of outstanding architectural and historic interest. To secure for public benefit the preservation, repair and maintenance of its buildings including and contents, burial grounds and curtilages..
How much income did The Historic Chapels Trust report in 2025?
The Historic Chapels Trust reported total income of £2.16m and reported expenditure of £2.10m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Historic Chapels Trust?
The Historic Chapels Trust has a program ratio of 96.8%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 75% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 344 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Historic Chapels Trust registered as a charity?
The Historic Chapels Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 11 February 1993 as charity number 1017321. It has been registered for 33 years.
Who runs The Historic Chapels Trust?
The Historic Chapels Trust is governed by a board of 8 trustees. The chair of trustees is Christopher Gordon Smith. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Historic Chapels Trust operate?
The Historic Chapels Trust operates in England, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Historic Chapels Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The Historic Chapels Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1017321.
Details
Girton
Cambridge
CB3 0NA
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 6 other charities
Also Known As
- Historic Chapels Trust
- Hct
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated