Allen Grove Fund
Following the recent pandemic, the Society is pleased to announce the re-opening of the Fund and welcomes applications.
What might the following all have in common?
the translation of medieval manorial court rolls from Latin
a variety of community exhibitions
a full-colour book cover
the architectural recording of every house in a small hamlet
research on Wealden iron
a book on Humphrey Repton in Kent
the purchase of a laptop to record a village history archive
Answer: they have all benefitted from the Allen Grove Local History Fund!
The Allen Grove Local History Fund was established from a legacy made to the Kent Archaeological Society by the late Allen Grove (1910-1990). In 1948, Allen Grove was appointed Curator and Librarian of Maidstone Museum, which he held until retirement in 1975. In addition to the Kent Archaeological Society, he was involved with numerous other organisations, including various archaeological, antiquarian, and history societies. He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquarians and President of the Kent Archaeological Society 1986–1987.
The Society administers the Allen Grove Local History Fund. Its objects are to promote research, preservation and enjoyment of local history in the ancient County of Kent1. These objects are consistent with those of the Society. It is a restricted fund and is invested separately from the Society’s other investments. Under the terms of the legacy, decisions on how the fund is to be spent via grants are taken by the Society’s officers.
What comprises ‘local history’?
Local history can be almost impossible to define! It can involve a wide range of historical inquiry and investigation, encompassing local landscapes, oral traditions, written records, social and cultural practices, ephemera, and objects. A typical project can involve virtually anything in a geographical area smaller than the country or countries as a whole.
Eligibility for Grants
Applications for a wide range of local history projects are welcomed and encouraged by individuals, groups or societies. In the case of applications from groups or societies, the Fund Secretary will communicate with the project leader named in the application. The average grants recently awarded have been in the region of £500.
Grants will not be made for excavation, fieldwork or works of fiction. Separate applications for grants for excavation and fieldwork should be made to the Secretary of the Fieldwork Committee: fieldworkgrants@ kentarchaeology.org.uk
Submitting an application
Application forms can be downloaded from the
Society website or obtained from the Allen Grove Fund secretary (Allengroveadmin@ kentarchaeology.org.uk).
Please note that application forms will only be considered which have been signed and dated, confirming acceptance of the Terms and Conditions.
The window for submitting applications is 1 June to 30 September. As soon as practicable after the 30 September deadline for applications, the Trustees will meet to consider the applications received.
Grants are made once a year.
We look forward to hearing receiving your enquiries and applications.
1 The geographical area of Kent considered under the Fund is that of the ancient county of Kent. It includes Medway and extends to the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham.
If undelivered, please return to R. Hills, 15 Henley Close, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0ER
