When, in 1854, Victorian baker Sarah Nelson, husband Wilfred and their two daughters Dinah and Mary Ann fell on hard times, they sought refuge in tiny Church Cottage in Grasmere.
As an obviously ‘poor and needy family’ they easily met the criteria for the tenancy and quickly made the humble one storey building heated by a single coal fire their home.
Not only did the dwelling rescue the Nelson family from freezing destitution, but it gave Sarah the creative breathing space to invent Grasmere Gingerbread® which eventually alleviated their grinding poverty.
“Homelessness was a scourge of Victorian society, and it has returned with a vengeance in recent years, not only inflicting stress and misery on individuals but on entire families and children,” said Joanne Hunter, Co-Director of Grasmere Gingerbread®.
With the history of the business rooted in homelessness, Grasmere Gingerbread® has chosen three relevant charities to support this Christmas - Crisis, the Winter Warmth Fund and Children in Need.
“To reflect the 170th anniversary of Grasmere Gingerbread® in 2024, we have donated £1700 to each organisation,” explained Joanne.
“Everything we do - from our guiding ethos of Passion before Profit to raising money for local environmental initiatives in Lake District - originates from the original domestic plight and values of Sarah Nelson who invented Grasmere Gingerbread® in 1854.
“Sarah was eternally grateful for the help she received when her family needed it most.
“She stayed loyal to the village that gave her a home, helped others when they were struggling and even taught local children the alphabet using giant letters made from Grasmere Gingerbread®.
“This year, we celebrated Sarah’s incredible life with a special service in St Oswald’s Church hosted by Rory Bremner, a very public acknowledgement of her remarkable fortitude and values that continue to inform and inspire our business today.
“Grasmere Gingerbread® is not an island; it is part of a local community, society itself and it is important that we contribute to make the world a better place.”
The Newcastle-based Crisis Skylight HQ helps people experiencing homelessness and offers year-round education, employment, housing and well-being services;
The Winter Warmth Fund run by Cumbria Community Foundation raises funds for vulnerable older people whoa re struggling to heat their homes during the coldest season of the year;
