An endowment fund for Milton’s Cottage

2017 marked the 350th anniversary ­­of the publication of Paradise Lost – one of the most influential poems ever written in the English language.  To commemorate this landmark occasion, we launched an endowment fund to protect and preserve Milton’s Cottage – the place where it was completed – in perpetuity.  Our target is to raise ￡3.5 million – the level of Endowment required to achieve financial self-sufficiency and see Paradise Maintain’d.

Become part of our history

Back in 1887, a public appeal was launched to save Milton’s Cottage for the world.  Our first donor?  Queen Victoria, who contributed the royal sum of ￡20.  We have been open to the public as a museum ever since.

We have now have the start of a permanent endowment, however, and continue to rely on the generosity of Milton devotees, literature-lovers and libertarians everywhere to ensure the on-going survival of this unique literary landmark. Supporting our endowment fund is the next chapter in our history, transforming the future of Milton’s Cottage by helping us become financially sustainable.  A gift to the Paradise Maintain’d Endowment Fund is a gift forever, as the capital will never be spent – only the income it generates.  So why not become part of our story by donating to our endowment fund in order to see Paradise Maintain’d for future generations?

And if you donate now, then your money will be doubled!  We’re delighted to advise that the majority of our donations are match funded meaning their value is doubled.

Match Fund Queen Victoria

Match fund Queen Victoria with a ￡20 donation and the Heritage Lottery Fund will match fund you – making your donation worth ￡40 to our Endowment.



Tax efficient giving

Milton’s Cottage Trust CIO is a UK registered charity, which means we can benefit from Gift Aid if you pay tax in the UK.  This increases the value of your donation by 25% at no cost to you, whilst also offering personal benefits if you are a higher rate tax payer.

If you pay tax in more than one country you may be able to take advantage of tax benefits in both by making your gift via a Milton-friendly dual-qualified charity.  We would be happy to advise you about these options.

For larger donations to see Paradise Maintain’d for future generations., naming rights can be discussed.

For further information please contact  John Dugdale Bradley – Trustee, on endowments@miltonscottage.org or direct dial  +44 7703 572344 

You can also download a donation form here: Paradise Maintain’d_donation form

US donors

For US tax payers, we have approval from the British Schools and Universities Foundation Inc in New York who will accept donations on line and provide donors with the ability to take a tax deduction on their donations.  Donations with a preference for a grant to Milton’s Cottage Trust CIO can be made on line at www.bsuf.org.

Cheques to the address below are preferred to avoid fees being deducted by the credit cards company that BSUF use. Click here for the BSUF Donor transmittal form. Please use the attached donation form, giving a preference for a grant to Milton’s Cottage Trust CIO.

British Schools and Universities Foundation, Inc. www.bsuf.org

Postal address only: 575 Madison Avenue, Suite 1006, New York, NY 10022-2511

British Schools and Universities Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit educational, scientific and literary foundation. This foundation is a tax-exempt 501 [c] 3 recognised organisation. Contributions to it are deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts to it are deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes.   www.bsuf.org