Leaving a gift in your Will to the Vindolanda Trust ensures that Roman Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum continue to inspire future generations. As an independent charity, we rely on legacy gifts to:

• Fund ongoing archaeological excavations
• Conserve our nationally Designated collection
• Advance pioneering research
• Share history through award-winning exhibitions in our museums.

Whether you are a Friend of Vindolanda, treasure memories of visiting our sites, or simply love Hadrian’s Wall country, your gift - large or small - will make a difference. After caring for your loved ones, remembering the Trust in your Will helps preserve this unique heritage for years to come.

How to Leave a Gift in Your Will

When writing or updating your Will, we strongly recommend consulting a solicitor to ensure your wishes are legally protected.

The most helpful gift is an unrestricted bequest, allowing us to use your support where it’s needed most. If you’d prefer to direct your gift to a specific site or project, we’d be delighted to discuss your wishes before you finalise your Will.

Suggested wording for your solicitor:
“I give, devise and bequeath to Vindolanda Trust, Charity No: 1159798 of Chesterholm Museum, Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7JN :

• The sum of £[amount]
• OR the whole (or [percentage]% share) of my residuary estate
• OR [details of a specific gift]
  to hold on trust for its general charitable purposes. I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge.”

Donate in Memory

To honour a loved one, you can make an in-memoriam gift through our Sponsor a Leaf program. 

Learn more and donate here: Sponsor a Leaf

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of gifts can I leave?

• Residuary gift: A percentage of your remaining estate after expenses and other gifts.
• Cash gift: A fixed sum of money.
• Specific legacy: A named item such as property, jewellery, artwork, or a vehicle.

What if I don’t have a Will?
Writing a Will ensures your wishes are honoured and your loved ones and chosen causes benefit. We recommend seeking advice from a solicitor.

Already have a Will?
You can add a gift to the Vindolanda Trust by writing a Codicil. Your solicitor can adapt wording such as:
“I [full name] of [address] declare this to be a [first/second] codicil to my Will dated [DD/MM/YYYY]… [insert gift details].”

Outside the UK?
We welcome gifts from overseas supporters. Please check with a solicitor for any local restrictions.

Are there tax benefits?
Yes. Charitable gifts in Wills are exempt from inheritance tax.

Want donations instead of flowers at your funeral?
Include this in your Will:
“I request that instead of flowers at my funeral, donations are made to Vindolanda Trust (Charity No: 1159798) of Chesterholm Museum, Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7JN.”

How can I leave an object/ research to the Vindolanda Trust?

If you are thinking about making a donation to the Trust’s archive, please contact the collections team: [email protected] 

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Thank You

Leaving a gift in your Will is a personal decision. If you’d like to let us know your intentions, we’d love the chance to thank you and show how your gift will make a difference.

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If you have any questions about leaving a legacy gift, please contact   [email protected]