The Society was formed in 1783 by peers, merchants and professionals to assist the Irish poor in London without consideration of “religion, sect or party”. In 1820 the Society opened its own non-denominational schools in Lambeth. The 1921 Education Act, that raised the school leaving age to fourteen, also led to the closure of these schools. Since then the Society has concentrated on the prevention or relief of poverty. Sadly, this is as necessary in the 21st century as it was in the 18th century.

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The Society provides hardship grants to distressed Irish people, or people who have an Irish parent or grandparent, who live in the Greater London area, broadly defined as being within the M25. These grants are quite small, anything from £10 to £500, and include providing items of clothing or footwear, essential items of household equipment, emergency support for winter heating needs, funeral travel expenses, provision of documents such as passports, and help during convalescence.

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The Society works with the London Irish Centre and Southwark Irish Pensioners Project to administer these grants using their Trusted Assessors. The governance of the Society is unchanged from its formation in 1783: a Grand Committee (the trustees) chaired by a President. These titles may seem archaic today but are a reminder of the Society’s long history. It derives its income from a small capital sum, charitable trusts and private individuals. The Society’s annual Report and Accounts are published on the Charity Commission website.

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