Practical advice on bequests to benefit the nation
Throughout its history the Brontë Society has been shaped by the generosity of individuals. Ranging from Henry Bonnell's donation of his collection of Brontë objects to Sir James Roberts' donation of the Parsonage in 1928, gifts of money, investments, single objects and portions of estates have helped the Museum gain its worldwide reputation for excellence.
As we welcome over 70,000 people every year, and millions more online, the Museum is more important than ever as a place where the fascinating study of the Brontë family can be continued, and the stories still told. But we need your help to continue this valuable work. If you’ve enjoyed your visits to the Museum, why not remember the Brontë Society in your will? You will make an incredible and lasting impact on our work.
For information on making a gift, how to word your will and advice on completing a codicil, read on. You can also donate by clicking here.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further information on the difference your gift could make. Thank you for taking the time to visit our website, and thank you in advance for your generosity.
Please note that our legacy website section provides information of a general nature only. Advice from your own legal or tax adviser should be sought when considering any gift arrangement.
Making your will
You have worked hard during your lifetime, gathering assets along the way. A Will is your opportunity to make sure that those you wish benefit from your assets. It is a simple process that ensures your wishes are fulfilled in the event of your death:
Seek professional advice: A Will is a legal document, and it is advisable to ask a solicitor to make your instructions valid under law.
Value your estate: This is an estimation of your financial liabilities (everything you owe) deducted from your financial assets (everything you own).
Consider the tax implications: Gifts to charitable organisations such as the Bronte Society are exempt from Inheritance Tax. Your tax adviser will be able to explain how your charitable gift can reduce or eliminate the liability on your estate.
Choose your beneficiaries: Decide who you would like to inherit your assets, someone dear to you or a cause/charity you want to support.
Divide your assets: Decide who will get what and list them in your Will.
Choose your witnesses and executors: When it is properly drawn up by the solicitor, you must sign your Will in front of two witnesses. You also need to appoint at least one person to carry out the instructions in your Will (executor).
Keep your Will safe and up-to-date: You can alter your Will if your circumstances change or you change your mind. Any amendments can be made through a codicil, a simple document drawn up by a solicitor.
If you would like to know more about the difference your legacy could make to the Brontë Society, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you in strict confidence. Please contact Alison Boardman, the Society Administrator on 01535 640194 or email here.
Please note that the purpose of our legacy website section is to provide information of a general nature only. Advice from your own legal or tax adviser should be sought when considering any gift arrangement.
Wording your will
How to word your will
1. A share of, or the residue of your estate (Residuary Gift)
Many people choose not to leave a stated sum of money, but rather leave a share or the residue of their estate. This is one of the most effective ways to make the value of your estate inflation proof. Suggested wording for the entire residue of your estate may be:
‘I bequeath to the charity 529952 known as the Brontë Society, Church Street, Haworth, West Yorkshire, BD22 8DR, the residue of my estate.’
Suggested wording for a share of the residue of your estate:
‘My executors (these will be defined) shall divide the residue of my estate into equal shares and shall hold such shares as follows: a) as to (specify amount) such shares for the charity 529952 known as the Brontë Society, Church Street, Haworth, West Yorkshire, BD22 8DR, absolutely; b) as to (specify amount) such shares for (legatee) of (address) absolutely.’
Note: there are tax implications in leaving the residue between charitable and non-charitable beneficiaries and your professional adviser will be able to assist you with this.
2. A stated sum of money (Pecuniary Gift)
If you would prefer to leave an actual sum of money you may find the following wording helpful:
‘I bequeath to the charity 529952 known as the Brontë Society of Church Street Haworth West Yorkshire BD22 8DR the sum of £XX.’
If you would like to make the value of your bequest inflation proof you can do this in the form of an inflation proof pecuniary bequest, i.e.
‘I bequeath to the charity 529952 known as the Brontë Society of Church Street Haworth West Yorkshire BD22 8DR the sum of money produced by dividing the sum of £XX by the index figure in the Index of Retail Prices (‘the Index’) for the month in which the Will is executed and (having made allowance for a re-basing of the index which may have happened in the meantime) multiplying it by the index figure in the Index of the month in which my death occurs.’
3. A Specific Gift
If you are considering leaving a specific item to the Museum for its permanent collection we would be grateful if in the first instance we can discuss this with you.
Where an object is offered to the Museum for its collection we would suggest the following wording:
‘I bequeath to the charity 529952 known as Brontë Society Church Street Haworth West Yorkshire BD22 8DR my (describe the object).’
Please note that the Brontë Society are not legal advisers and we would recommend that you do seek the advice of a professional to ensure your Will is correctly drawn up and kept up to date.
Completing a codicil
A codicil is quite simply an addition or change to your Will. If you would like to add a simple bequest for a specified amount, you can download a codicil form (Word document).
This form can be completed at any time and like a Will, it becomes a legal document when it is signed, in the presence of two adults who, at your request and in the presence of each other, add their names as witnesses. The codicil should remain with your Will at all times and kept in a safe place.
Below are six simple steps you might find helpful when filling in the codicil form:
1. Fill in your name and address, together with the amount of the legacy, in the relevant space. Do not sign or date the codicil at this point.
2. Find two adults [ aged 18 or over] to act as your witnesses. Your witnesses may be related to one another; however, they must not be related to you or to anyone mentioned in your Will.
3. In the presence of your witnesses, insert the date of the codicil and sign your name.
4. At your request and in the presence of each other, the witnesses must then sign the codicil and state their name, address and occupation. The codicil must be completed at the same time by all three adults in each other’s presence. Anyone suffering from a disability that could prevent them from understanding whet they are signing is not eligible as a witness.
5. Keep this codicil form with your Will at all times and in a safe place. Do not staple or pin the form to your Will.
6. We would be very grateful if you would also forward a copy of the codicil form to the Legacy Manager, The Brontë Society, Brontë Parsonage Museum, Haworth, West Yorkshire BD22 8DR.
Please note that the purpose of our legacy website section is to provide information of a general nature only. Advice from your own legal or tax adviser should be sought when considering any gift arrangement.
To access a printable codicil form, click on the downloads menu to the right.
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