The Laurence Sterne Trust was created in March 1967 and became a charity in 1968. The primary aim was to raise funds to purchase Shandy Hall and convert it to be a museum to celebrate the life and works of Laurence Sterne. The Trust purchased the freehold of the property in 1968 and Shandy Hall has developed as a public museum from that time. Its purpose and aims are to advance education for the public benefit by promoting the understanding and appreciation of the life, works and continuing influence of Laurence Sterne; primarily, but not exclusively, through maintaining and managing Shandy Hall, Coxwold, and its collections as a public museum and a centre for research, education and creativity.