The C J Gallard's Almshouses’ Charitable Trust provides accommodation for residents of the Borough of Tunbridge Wells who are over the age of 55 and of limited means. In exceptional circumstances the Trustees may appoint someone living outside the Borough but otherwise qualified. Priority is given to applicants from Southborough.
The almshouses comprise 26 self-contained flats with gardens on three sides. The site is on
level ground and close to local shops and other amenities, being just off the main high street in Southborough.
During 2012, the centenary year of first occupation, we completed the building of six new flats, which are better
suited to the disabled, and all of the existing flats were extended and completely refurbished.
The site is situated on Gallard's Close, Southborough. The flats run parallel to the main London Road (A26). As a result, we are very close to local shops and other amenities the town has to offer.
The almshouses provide not just a place to live, but also a sense of community and support for those who may otherwise be isolated. The residents share our common spaces such as the gardens and dining rooms. The community within almshouses is often close-knit, as our residents tend to have similar backgrounds and experiences.
The Almshouses' Manager lives on site and watches over the health and welfare of beneficiary
residents without unduly interfering in their lives or intruding on their privacy.
There is an emergency telephone call system in each flat so that in case of need, such as sudden
illness or after a fall, residents are able to obtain help quickly. However, residents must be able
and willing to live independently.
Our residents have a safe and affordable place to live, with the added benefit of being surrounded by people who understand their experiences and backgrounds. They also have access to social and recreational activities, providing a sense of purpose and engagement and have the opportunity to form friendships with other residents, and feel a sense of belonging within the community.
If you have any enquiries or questions, please feel free to contact us.
See inside one of our flats on our the flats page.
No, residents do not have a tenancy agreement like one you might find in the private rental sector.
All our residents are given a 'licence' to occupy a flat. As a beneficiary of an almshouse charity, you are not a tenant
and you may be asked to leave at any time.
Trustees will only ask you to leave in exceptional circumstances, such as if you cease to become eligible as a beneficiary resident,
you fail to adequately cover your financial commitment or you have been involved in anti-social behaviour.
All residents pay a 'Weekly Maintenance Charge' to stay at Gallard's. This is payable every Monday and is currently £123.50 per week (as of 2024).
We do have a list of people seeking accommodation, however, please do not let this put you off from applying.
People's circumstances change daily and as a result, there is often much movement in the list as people either find alternative
accommodation or move outside the area.