Leaving a Legacy

Leaving a legacy is one of the most flexible ways of giving. It enables you to make a significant gift to support the charities that are close to your heart.

Throughout its history, the BSA has benefited from legacies made by generous benefactors and we are proud to record some notable examples of case studies listing the impact of donations. The lasting impact of these legacies is testament to the deep commitment many individuals have felt for the BSA’s mission.

The BSA is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 208673), and is therefore exempt from Inheritance Tax. This means that the BSA pays no tax on gifts of money or property made in your lifetime or after your death, and a legacy to the BSA normally reduces tax payable on your estate.

Our “1886 Society”, named after the year when the BSA was founded, was created to recognise and celebrate the special commitment of individuals who choose to remember the BSA in their will. By joining the 1886 Society, you are demonstrating your commitment to future generations of BSA students and research. By leaving a legacy, you can become an enduring part of our community. Each 1886 Society member will receive a BSA legacy pin badge in recognition of their support. Once a legacy is received, legacy donors who have given more than £5,000 will have their name recorded on our Legacy Honour Board in Athens.

Further information, including suggested wordings for you to discuss with your solicitor and more information about the 1886 Society, can be found in our BSA Leaving a Legacy brochure.

BSA Archive – CAM 277 - Knossos Cupbearer Fresco
The BSA’s Office in Athens – photo by M. Stevenson
Winifred Lamb and Jean Mitchell at Thermi BSA Archive LAM 03.01.14.026 (1)

If you have already remembered the BSA in your will, or intend to do so, please consider downloading a confidential BSA Legacy Pledge Form. By telling us about your gift, you give us valuable assurance for our long-term activity. It also allows us to thank you properly and keep you informed about what we are doing. We strongly recommend that you take legal advice when making or updating your will.

We would be delighted to discuss your legacy intentions to ensure that we are able to fulfil your wishes. You can contact our Development Team at bsa@thebritishacademy.ac.uk or on +44 (0)207 969 5315. All conversations will be treated in the strictest confidence.

“The British School was my second home from my second year as a graduate student. A home from home. A succession of brilliant Directors and Assistant Directors, wildly stimulating fellow students, including artists, a superb, uniquely stocked library and genius librarians, and, not least, wonderfully helpful administrative and domestic staff – what was not to like! It was an honour to be part of the centenary celebrations in 1986 – here’s to the next century of scholarship and philoxenia”

Prof Paul Cartledge
A.G. Leventis Senior Research Fellow,
Clare College, Cambridge