Funded by bridge tolls and charitable donations, the foundation acquired an extensive property portfolio which made it more than self-sufficient.

Most recently it took over ownership and maintenance of the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge, having provided a large amount of the funding for its construction.

The site, now covered by the London Bridge Hospital and the Cotton's Centre, was constituted of at least two properties in Southwark.

[8] The Bridge House Estates was established by the grant of a royal charter on 24 May 1282,[9] and the sole trustee is the City of London Corporation.

Formed in 2021, the chairship is held by a Common Councillor on a four-year rotation; the first Chair was Giles Shilson, who as of May 2024[update] was in post from May 2021 until November 2024.

The good stewardship of the property and investments of the estates by the City has led to the accumulation of surplus funds over any such demand on its resources.

Therefore, the City sought from the Charity Commission to implement a cy-près scheme to extend its objects (purposes) since September 1995 to make charitable grants within the Greater London area.