Legacy advert from 1856

Richard Hick, Head of Legacy at Great Ormond Street Hospital, has shared a fascinating example of a full page legacy advert from 1856.

"Great Ormond Street Hospital was opened on 14th February 1852", writes Richard.

"In 1856 the annual report was running an 'in your Victorian face' full page legacy ad. Entitled 'Form of Bequest by Will' in gothic type there was no ask, simply and boldly they printed the model wording for the inclusion of a legacy (pecuniary). Just a year before the charity had received a £400 legacy from a Miss Thompson of Brighton which in today's money would be about £250,000."

If this interests or excites you, don't forget to explore Ken Burnett's nascent SOFII (Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration) which features a growing archive of examples of creative fundraising.

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