As most readers of this will know, the origins of the trust are firmly rooted within English history. This article briefly explores the evolution of the trust concept, from those roots through to today when the use of trusts in corporate planning is becoming far more significant as compared to traditional "private client" applications.
The concept originated during the Medieval period as a means of protecting the property and land of a fellow knight. It was more commonly known as a "use" (from the Latin "ad opus"- to the use or benefit of). During the Holy Wars, knights would depart from their native land for years at a time; the remaining family and friends would effectively become entrusted (the Trustee), holding the knight’s possessions for his eventual return as the beneficiary. The income derived from the land was used to support and protect those left behind during the crusades.
