Our Beginnings
Balkerne Gardens Trust was founded in 1833 by MP Sir G. Smyth as the Colchester Provident Asylum Society.
At a time when no welfare state existed and local alms housing was oversubscribed, the Society introduced a pioneering, insurance-based housing scheme to address the growing need for social housing. Members contributed to a structured scheme that enabled them to secure housing in later life, particularly during periods of hardship.
It was a bold and forward-thinking initiative, built on independence, responsibility and community support, laying the foundations for what would become one of Colchester’s most enduring and respected charities. By 1836, the Society had built its first six houses, then known as Provident Place (later renamed Papillon House), marking the beginning of a legacy of providing accommodation for people in its local community.
A Charity That Evolved With Its Community
As Colchester changed, so too did the Trust.
In 1948, the organisation became known as Colchester Care of the Aged Housing Trust. It formally achieved Exempt Charity status, registered as a Co-operative and Community Benefit Society, and later became a Registered Social Landlord and Registered Care Provider, governed by its Board of Trustees.
This was an important step forward: a shift from providing housing alone to delivering exceptional care and support for the older people within the local community. In 1983, the organisation adopted the name we know today, Balkerne Gardens Trust, reflecting both its heritage and its connection to its historic location.
A Place Shaped By History
Our name is inseparable from our surroundings.
Balkerne Gardens Trust sits beside Balkerne Gate, Britain’s largest surviving Roman gateway, built in the 2nd century as part of Colchester’s defensive walls. Behind the Gate lies Roman Colchester, the first Roman capital of Britain. Nearby stands Colchester Castle, built by the Normans in around 1076 on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius.
Balkerne Lane itself was once the main Roman route into the town. Recorded by name as early as 1429, it later became known as Balkerne Hill. Just as the Roman walls have stood the test of time, so too has our commitment to supporting older people in this community.
Growth, Development & Community Support
The Trust’s development has always reflected the changing needs of the local community.
Throughout its history, it has been strengthened by the generosity and support of local people. Its key milestones include:
- 1957 – The Rest Home opened (now Freda Gunton Lodge), expanding into residential care
- 1976 – Transfer of the Lexden Village Properties to the society
- 1976 – Parsley House constructed, providing 33 sheltered housing flats
- 1986 – Cheviot Nursing Home purchased, extending nursing provision
- 2002–2003 – Cheviot extension built in partnership with the NHS
- 2007 – 18 new wheelchair-accessible flats added to Sheltered Housing provision
- 2024 – Two Lexden properties purchased to generate additional income for the Trust
In each decade, the Trust has reinvested in facilities, accessibility and services, always with one purpose: improving the quality of life of its beneficiaries. The Trust’s development has always reflected the changing needs of the local community and throughout its history, it has been strengthened by the generosity and support of local people.
alkerne Gardens Trust Today
Today, Balkerne Gardens Trust remains a not-for-profit organisation and one of Colchester’s longest-established charities.
We provide:
- 68 sheltered housing flats
- Residential and nursing care
- Respite and palliative care
- A portfolio of private rental properties to subsidise our charitable work
Supported by approximately 180 dedicated staff, 11 Trustees and over 100 Shareholders, we continue to build on nearly 200 years of service to our local community.
From our earliest beginnings to who we are today, our purpose has remained constant: to provide older people with secure homes, exceptional care and a lasting sense of belonging.
We remain proud to serve older people with strong connections to the CO postcode area, today, tomorrow and for generations to come.