The C J Gallard's Almshouses Charitable Trust (Registered Charity number: 209787) was established in 1906 in accordance with
a bequest of the late Mr Charles J Gallard, a Tunbridge Wells businessman and Chairman of Southborough Council.
Mr Gallard's wish was for the provision of 20 flats for the purpose of housing elderly and needy persons from the Southborough
area. Construction of the flats commenced in 1911 and they were first occupied by beneficiary residents on 23 October 1912.
For more information regarding the history of Charles Gallard and our almshouses, please download our timeline on our policies & documents page.
A photograph of the front facing flats, with a shared access walkway.
The area of benefice was expanded in August 2006 to include the town and parishes covered by the Borough of Tunbridge Wells,
but with preference being given to applicants from Southborough and High Brooms.
The Trust is a non-profit making charity, controlled by the Charity Commission. The Charity's Trustees, who give their
services voluntarily, are responsible for administering the Charity and the appointment of beneficiary residents when
vacancies occur.
A photograph of a section of the gardens within the grounds.
A Clerk to the Trustees and an Almshouses' Manager carry out day to day administration and management of
the Almshouses' flats and gardens. 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.
The gardens are maintained by the trust and are for the enjoyment of all residents and their respective visitors.
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.
