Sarah Hewley

Sarah Hewley or Lady Sarah Hewley born Sarah Wolrych (1627 – 23 September 1710) was a British benefactor. She created what is now the Lady Hewley Trust and she is remembered in York where she created almshouses and a chapel.

Life Sarah Wolrych was born in 1627. She was the only daughter and heiress of Robert Wolrych (died 11 December 1661), bencher of Gray's Inn. Her mother, whose maiden name was Mott, had a fortune from her first husband, whose name was Tichborne.

Sarah Wolrych married John Hewley, son of John Hewley of Wistow, near Selby. He became a lawyer in 1638 and rose to be a recorder. He became a member of parliament for Pontefract and York and rich. She also was a major funder of what is now the York Unitarian Chapel and Lady Hewley's Almshouses which are now beside it. They were originally in Tanners Row but were forced to move when the railway needed the land in 1839. Beside the church is the entrance to the almshouses and the Warden's House which has a plaque recording Lady Hewley's bequest and her preference for Unitarians to benefit from the almshouses.

Death and legacy

Hewley died in York in 1710 after instructing that her "vile body" should be disposed of cheaply and without additional ceremony. She was buried with her husband. Portraits of Sir John Hewley and his wife are preserved in the vestry of St Saviourgate Chapel. Their two children, Wolrych and John, died in infancy.