Lord Richardson of Duntisbourne - former Bank of England boss leaves £50,000 to Trafalgar Square church

Published: 21 May 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

A FORMER Governor of the Bank of England has donated £50,000 from beyond the grave to help save a Grade I-listed church in Trafalgar Square.

The gift, in memory of Lord Richardson of Duntisbourne, who died in January, has put the seal on a massive fundraising effort to refurbish St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Gordon Richardson, who was a chairman of Schroders, was married to the eldest daughter of a former St Martin’s vicar.

City investment bank Schroders handed over the £50,000 cheque to the church fund on Saturday, completing a 12-year push to raise £36million for the renovation.

St Martin’s Reverend Nicholas Holtam said: “The economic conditions mean that the number and depth of need of those who turn to us for help is also growing. Seeing the buildings well used is why we did the project, which was always about people and not just architecture. 

“It is a very great relief to know that the bills will be paid and the St Martin’s community is especially thankful to all who have helped complete this work.” 

On Sunday, the Bishop of London baptised and confirmed 14 adults at the morning Eucharist and prayers were said in thanksgiving for the completion of the capital campaign for the renewal of St Martin’s.