Benevolent Society of St Patrick

The Benevolent Society of St Patrick was established in 1783 to provide charitable relief to poor and distressed Irish living in and around London. It was amalgamated with the older Irish Charitable Society (founded 1704) in 1787. In providing relief no religious or political distinctions were to be made. Children were particularly the objects of the Society's care. Assistance in clothing and education were regularly given. In 1820 the Society opened its own schools in Stamford Street. These were closed in 1921. The Society reviewed its activities and started to give grants to young Irish men and women 'of good conduct and industry' and to elderly Irish people. In addition grants were given towards hospital beds. After 1948 grants were regularly given to assist the unemployed and other Irish families in need. The Society has long enjoyed royal patronage.