For example, he donated £10,000 for the library of what is now Oxford University's Harris Manchester College, though it was originally founded in Warrington in 1786 as a dissenting academy to provide religious nonconformists with higher education.

He particularly supported health and education with his money, giving £42,500 to Liverpool University, £3,500 to Bedford College for Women, and £5,000 to Streatham Library.

In addition to Streatham, provisions were made for libraries in other areas of London such as Balham, Brixton, and South Lambeth.

[5] They lived at Park Hill near Streatham Common in London, had three sons together, and remained married until her death on 29 November 1883.

Tate died in Streatham on 5 December 1899 at the age of 80, and was buried in nearby West Norwood Cemetery, the gates of which are opposite a public library to which he donated.