The journey of Bishop Benjamin Laney
1590
Benjamin Laney was born in Ipswich.
1590
1608
1630
1630
1632
1639
1639
1644
Turned out of Mastership by the Earl of Manchester
After losing clergy preferments, he went abroad to attend King Charles II as chaplain during his exile.
1667
Appointed Bishop of Ely after becoming Bishop of Peterborough post-Restoration.
Rebuilt some of the Bishop's Palace which had fallen into decay under the Commonwealth.
1667
1674
Died on 24th January and was buried in the South Aisle of Ely Cathedral.
In his Will, Bishop Laney bequeathed £500 to his college Pembroke Hall and left his land, houses and buildings estates to six substantial freeholders from Ely or Soham. The Will stated that the rent and profits should be used to help children from poor parishioner families in Ely or Soham, receiving a maximum of £10 per child.
The Bishop Laney Foundation carries on the legacy today, offering substantially more than £10 per person. It continues to help school leavers with financial assistance in the years they need it the most.
For more information about the history of the foundation, please see ‘The Bishop Laney Foundation - Notes on The History’ from 1972.
Students and apprentices can apply for grants every year. University and sixth form students should apply by 14th September. Apprentices and employers must complete their applications by the end of the first week of October.
See the apply for a grant section for more information.