Cowper Memorial Museum
Analysis
Cowper Memorial Museum is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Olney. It was registered in July 1962, 64 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, religious activities, arts/culture/heritage/science and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under religion. Legally it is a charitable trust. It says it provides human resources, provides buildings/facilities/open space and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending January 2026, Cowper Memorial Museum reported income of £105k and spending of £91k, spending 87% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from January 2022 to January 2026, income grew from £74k to £105k (+43%), an average of +9.3% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to January 2023, when income rose by 151%. Over the whole period it spent 96% of the income it received.
Among 20,496 England and Wales charities whose main cause is religion and that reported income, Cowper Memorial Museum sits at the 63rd percentile: it is larger than about 63% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 72nd percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Framwellgate Moor Youth & Community Association (£105k), Elm Ridge Methodist Church Darlington (£105k) and St Michael & St Bishoy Coptic Orthodox Church (£105k).
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
The museum commemorates the poet William Cowper, who lived in the house from 1768 to 1786, and his friend the preacher, hymnwriter and slave trade abolitionist John Newton (author of 'Amazing Grace'). It holds an important collection of lace and items relating to the archaeology and history of Olney and its surrounding villages. The historic gardens include Cowper's original summer house/study.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Framwellgate Moor Youth & Community Association | Durham | £105k |
| Elm Ridge Methodist Church Darlington | Darlington | £105k |
| St Michael & St Bishoy Coptic Orthodox Church | Kent | £105k |
| The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary, Penwortham | Preston | £105k |