Our History

The word “glebe” means land belonging to the church and that’s where our story begins.

1500’s

A rectory stood where Glebe House stands today

1925

No longer suitable as a Rectory
Colonel Chamberlain C.B.E. bought Glebe House and its remaining land.

1965

The Colonel gave a piece of land to the Beckenham and West Wickham Old People’s Welfare Committee and Glebe Court was built for 24 residents, opening in 1966.

1970

Mrs Chamberlain sold the remaining estate to Glebe Housing.

Glebe House was first converted into accommodation for the elderly. When it did not lend itself well for this purpose the idea was conceived of building ‘purpose built’ sheltered housing in the grounds.

1976

Searjeant and Willis Court flats were opened by the Duchess of Kent.

Over the remaining years 65 bungalows were built.

Throughout our site, tribute is made to those individuals who were instrumental in creating our community:

Bencurtis Park C.B.Curtis MBE (instrumental in buying Glebe House and the Estate.

Wills Court Frank Willis (Ex Chair).

Sarjeant Court Geoffrey Sarjeant (original shareholder and Board member who organised many of the fairs to raise money for our work).

Adams Hall Harry Adams (Shareholder and Board member who interviewed many of our original applicants for the flats).

Palmer Court R.H. Palmer (Past Director of Finance).

Atkins Drive Mr and Mrs J.H. Atkins (Mr Atkins was Councillor of Beckenham and Mayor in 1946/7 who shared advice and Council contacts).

Chamberlain Lounge Mr and Mrs Chamberlain (who gave our land).

Notley Lounge Rachel Notley (Director of Age Concern Bromley, an original shareholder and first Secretary of the Association).

Ashby Court Bob Ashby (ex Honorary President).

Contact

If you have any questions please call us on this number or continue to our Contact page and complete the form.

0208 777 11 22