The History of Hyndman's Trustees
hyndman’s Trustees
From 1990 Simeon’s Trustees had responsibility for Miss Catherine Elizabeth Hyndman’s Bounty Trust (Hyndman’s Trustees) though Hyndman’s Trust remained legally separate. In the late 1980s it became clear to the then Miss Hyndman’s trustees that they needed to consider the future well-being of the Trust. The Patronages (Benefices) Measure 1986 brought in a new way of working for all patrons within the Church of England. For a small trust with very limited resources the best way to continue to fulfil its patronage responsibilities would be to link with a much larger trust and Simeon’s were approached.
In 2020 it was discovered that the Hyndman family received compensation from the British government when slaves were freed. The family wealth was gained from sugar plantations in Demerara (now Guyana) through the use of slave labour.
After much prayer, discussion and consultation it was agreed to begin the process of closing the trust. The process of transferring the patronage interest in the 29 Hyndman benefices began in 2021. PCCs were asked to indicate whether they would wish the trustees to transfer patronage to Simeon’s or to another patronage body. The majority were content to move to Simeon’s Trustees.
Since 1966 Miss Hyndman's Bounty Trustees has been registered with the Charity Commission (Number 233360).
The History of the Hyndman's trustees
The Trust is named after Catherine Elizabeth, the daughter of Robert Hyndman who came from Ireland and spent many years abroad and his wife Elizabeth Christian had two children, Catherine and John. It is not known when Catherine was born or baptised but John was baptised in 1812. Just two years later, in 1814 Robert died and the family moved to England.
John went to Trinity College Cambridge and later became a barrister. During his time at Cambridge John, it is assumed, attended Holy Trinity Church; family records indicate he knew Charles Simeon and was impressed by him.
John and Catherine's mother died in 1834 and, perhaps unusually, bequeathed her estate equally between Catherine and John. Sadly, just nine months after her mother’s death, Catherine Elizabeth Hyndman died, a spinster, on 16 June 1835, in Torquay. She died before her mother's will had been proved, in addition she died intestate having made no will of her own. John aged only 23 became administrator of both estates.
Catherine Elizabeth had left just a few notes, letters and comments indicating her wishes about her estate. Guided by these, John decided to put the bulk of Catherine's estate into two trust Funds. One was Miss Catherine Elizabeth Hyndman's Bounty to the Church of England (now known as Hyndman’s Trustees) set up for a variety of ecclesiastical purposes including the purchase and acquisition of advowsons thus giving the right to appoint to parishes. The Declaration Document is dated 6 December 1836.