Henry Herbert (Harry) Wills (1856 - 1922)

Harry Wills shared with his brother George the cost of the large building programme for Bristol University. In addition he purchased the Royal Fort estate in 1917 as a site for the Physics Laboratory - in total he gave £200,000 towards the building and its endowment. In 1920 he gave £100,000 to the Bristol Royal Infirmary but by far his largest benefaction was the foundation of the St. Monica's Home of Rest on Durdham Down - he gave the sum of £1,500,000 - the idea was to provide a home for elderly women who were Anglicans ... preferably with high church leanings (reflecting the devout Anglo-catholic views of his wife). He was also very fond of organ music and therefore many church organs benefited from his support - notably the organs in Clifton College and Wells Cathedral.

 

   

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