It is often assumed because of its name that the responsibility for the administration and management of the Harefield Parochial Charities rests with the Church in Harefield, the Diocese or the Church Commissioners. This is not the case. However, the Vicar of the day of the ecclesiastical parish of St. Mary the Virgin, Harefield, is always an ex-officio Trustee. In addition, four other Trustees appointed in accordance with the Scheme’s governing document administer and manage the Charities.

The centre of Harefield.

Harefield, which lies at the northwest extremity of Greater London in the London Borough of Hillingdon, is completely surrounded by the Metropolitan Green Belt. As such, it is the last remaining village in London, where the ancient pattern of an agricultural village has not been overlaid by modern development.

The six ancient Charities were;

• The Countess of Derby’s Almshouses Charity founded by a Will dated 24 December 1636.
• The Solomon Burbery Charity founded by a Will dated 5 March 1697.
• The Mrs. Mary Ashby Charity (including Baldwin’s gift) founded by a Will dated 24 April 1664.
• The Poor’s or Fuel Allotment Charity established by an Inclosure Award under the Enclosures Act in 1813.
• The Henry Goodman Charity founded by a Will proved on 20 May 1858.
• The Ashford and Moore Charity founded by a Will proved on 10 April 1867.
  
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