Freemen’s Pension Fund

For many years the Freemen’s accounts have featured a balance of some thousands of pounds in the Pension Fund.

This fund is believed to have its origins in the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway Act of 1845, which took the eastern edge of Port Meadow for that railway and compensated the Freemen accordingly. Historically the craft guilds to which Freemen belonged were expected to support members in need, and the creation of a pension fund in the nineteenth century would be a logical extension of this custom.

The money received from the railway company was augmented from time to time by donations and bequests.

It is not known what payments may have been made from the fund in its early years, but more recently they have been very few. Our Treasurer Simon Gibbs recalls half a dozen or so ‘pensioners’ when he first took office around 40 years ago, but as they died they were not replaced. And so the fund has remained untouched, gathering interest during the years when meaningful interest was paid.

The most appropriate application of the funds would be by way of a pension payment and historically this was made to Freemen who were receiving only the state retirement pension. However, most now receive some form of occupational pension as well. Nevertheless, if any reader knows of a Freeman who might benefit from a small payment from the fund, please let our Treasurer know. However, there has in the past been an advertisement for Freemen who would like to attend the Christmas dinner but did not feel they could really afford the cost. And this has been taken up.

Now is not the time to apply, but when the autumn issue of The Oxford Freeman appears, please bear this in mind. The cost of the dinner has inevitably risen over the years, and it could be sufficient to deter some who would like to attend. Their presence would be appreciated, so if you know of any Freeman who falls into that category, then a free ticket paid for from the Pension Fund could be available for him or her and a guest. More details will be given in the next issue of The Oxford Freeman, when the Christmas dinner is announced.