Belvedere Park Nursing Home's History
"The story of Belvedere Park Nursing Home is woven into the fabric of our community, a testament to decades of dedicated care and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our residents. From its humble beginnings to the thriving care facility it is today, Belvedere Park's history is a journey of evolution, compassion, and continuous improvement. This historical overview seeks to honor the individuals, both past and present, who have shaped Belvedere Park into the nurturing environment it is, and to preserve the legacy of care that defines us."
THE DANKS: A CASE STUDY OF AN EARLSDON FAMILY
The Danks family occupied three homes in Earlsdon between 1875 and 1948. Above is their second home, Faugan on the corner of Belvedere Road and Broadway. Today it is a nursing home.
Their first house had been Brighton Villa in Moor Street (see picture above). The marriage of Jeremiah Martin Danks (commonly known as Martin Danks) and Ann Elizabeth Chadwick in 1875 brought new blood to the Chadwicks, one of Coventry prominent watchmaking families.
They had two children Martin and Gertrude. William Chadwick had moved from Clerkenwell in London during the 1850s to open a branch of his father's London business in Bond Street, manufacturing jewels for watches. This was the middle of the watchmaking boom in the city.
He was based at 24 Fleet Street for the next twenty years or so before moving to Bath House in Holyhead Road. He became involved in public life and served on the City Council and the Board of Guardians. He had one child, Ann Elizabeth who would not have been considered suitable to take on the business because of her gender. Martin was also from London but had no family connection with the watch trade and worked as a bank clerk.
Although from a well connected family his father had been put in a lunatic asylum when he was a child and so had been passed around various relatives. It is not known how they met. By the time of the marriage William was in sole charge of the watch jewellery business.
By the 1880s Danks was now being described as a watch jeweller and was clearly invoived in the business. His early death in 1886 at the age of 39 led Chadwick to take his daughter into the business after all.
By 1901 her 22 year old son Martin, was also employed in the business and by the end of the decade had set up on his
own at 124 Spon Street, the old watchmaking factory of Read and Son. He was to continue in business there until the Second World War.
From his earliest days he shrewdly diversified the business into specialised areas of engineering that needed precision engineered jewels as well as continuing to serve the declining watchmaking industry. Although still owning Brighton Villa, Ann and her daughter had been living with her father at Bath House, but his death in 1907 precipitated the move a few years later back to Earlsdon.
Martin had already left the family home and was living in 26 Westminster Road after getting married in 1902. This left Martin's sister Gertrude who in preparation for her marriage the following year bought 26, St Andrew's Road from Thomas Bird, the builder in 1917 - the third Earlsdon home of the Danks family. Family money paid for this, and she lived there with her husband, Percy Clements, until the late 1940s. As her mother had died in 1927 the family association with Earlsdon ended after sixty years.
This photograph was taken by Martin Danks of his mother's new house as she moved in during December 1909 (Ann Danks can be seen in the doorway).
A year earlier she had negotiated to buy a couple of plots of land from the Newcombe Estates Company at the corner of Belvedere Road and Broadway for £560. Although she submitted plans and they were approved in 1908, various complications meant that the land sale did not go through until mid-year. After receiving a number of quotes Mrs Danks accepted one for just under € 3000 from John Worwood, a builder in Much Park Street.
Despite a number of issues with the contentious Mrs Danks the work was completed by the end of the year. The building had been designed by a local architect, Walter Hattrell who was quite heavily involved in the design of many houses in the tarlsdon area.
He was a neighbour of Mrs Danks being one of the first residents of Belvedere Road. The state of the road at this time can be judged by the photograph, though the Newcombe Estates Company had put in the trees that were growing well a decade later as can be seen by the photograph on the previous page.
Coventry Branch of the Midlands Photographic Society c1880
Jeremiah Martin Danks
We are fortunate to have this early survival of local photography that shows Jeremiah Martin Danks and a number of other prominent Earlsdon residents who took an interest in this hobby.
It was an interest that fortunately also engaged his grandson, hence the survival of the glass plates from which the above photographs were taken. Danks is second from the left.
Belvedere Park Nursing Home's History
"As we reflect on the rich tapestry of Belvedere Park's history, we recognise that our story is still being written. The legacy of care, compassion, and community that has defined us for so many years continues to guide our mission today. We invite you to share your own memories and experiences of Belvedere Park, contributing to our ongoing story. If you have photographs, anecdotes, or historical documents you'd like to share, please contact us at [info@belvedereparkcoventry.co.uk]. Together, we can ensure that the enduring spirit of Belvedere Park is preserved for generations to come."
My mum was very well looked after during her stay,all the staff are very supportive and caring.
Both Mum & Dad have been resident at Belvedere, although Dads was such a short time, Mums stay was for 4 1/2 years.Within their stay, the care which they received has been second to none. Staff are so kind and caring, not just to residents but family alike. Nothing is too much bother for any of them.I visit many care / nursing homes within my job as Ambulance Crew and Belvedere has to definitely be in my top 3.
My mother in law was at Belvedere Park Nursing Home for the final 3 months of her life. As a family, we were incredibly well supported through the admission process as it was such a tough decision. We were always well informed around her health and wellbeing and consulted when difficult decisions were being made.The care that she received was second to none. Always treated with respect and her dignity a priority. All staff were attentive and provided outstanding care tailored to her changing needs.All staff were amazing, the nursing staff exceptional in their knowledge and understanding of her condition. The home is incredibly well managed and we always felt welcome.We are so thankful, after caring for her for a long time at home, that we were able to hand over the reins to the experts when the time was right and that she was able to have the care that she needed in an environment that she deserved. We will always be grateful to Belvedere park for their commitment to her and to us during her time with them.
Our mum moved into Belvedere Park Nursing Home September 2020 during Covid. The manager and staff were exceptionally good at keeping us reassured she was being cared for. When we could eventually visit we were very happy with the level of care our mum received. Not once in all the years did we have any concerns - the care was faultless. Our mum passed away February 2024 - Belvedere was the best place she could have been at. Michael and Gillian
A Google User
11:03 25 Jun 24
I really can’t say how much I appreciate the staff at Belvedere Park Nursing Homes commitment to looking after my Nan over the last 3 years. From their care during Covid to their day to day support for her and updating me and other family members when needed she really in great hands. The staff really are wonderful! Thank you again.
I really can’t say how much I appreciate the staff at Belvedere Park Nursing Homes commitment to looking after my Nan over the last 3 years. From their care during Covid to their day to day support for her and updating me and other family members when needed she really in great hands. The staff really are wonderful! Thank you again.
We as a family are so grateful to all at Belvedere Park Nursing home for the first class nursing care, comfort, kindness and compassion shown towards my father during his last months of lifeYour consistent expert guidance and support provided went above and beyond our expectations at all times and gave us all peace of mind that my father was as wonderfully cared for and as happy and comfortable as he could possibly have beenA heartfelt Thank you to Anand and Amesha and all your staff especially Mary,Tracey and Alison for first class care at all times.
My dad passed the last two months of his life at Belvedere Park. I cannot praise the management and staff at this home enough for the care and love they gave to my dad in what was a very stressful time for us and for him. We were always welcomed with kindness and compassion and dad was always treated with dignity and respect. I am so grateful that the last few months of his life were spent here. It gives me great comfort to know that he was looked after so well. Thank you all for everything.
The family chose the Belvedere Park on excellent recommendation and we were not disappointed. It’s in a lovely setting opposite a well kept park. A warm welcome is always there on arrival. The owners and staff treat their clients as family, the love, respect, support and care shown is wonderful. Birthdays, celebrations and especially Christmas are joyful for everyone involved and it feels like home, including the Mon-Fri fun activities in the Lounge The staff do not mind you phoning to enquire, which is reassuring when unable to visit. I would not hesitate to recommend a loved one living with the Belvedere family.
My mum had a recent 3 month stay at the Belvedere nursing home after falling very poorly in hospital and is now able to be home with the exceptional help and amazing care of the all the staff at this wonderful home. The compassion and care they provide is outstanding . Although my mum is home I know she misses the whole team and I can’t thank you enough !!
Lovely team who looked after mum really well for the last few years. Nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend.
My Mother Ivy, is 100 years old. She moved to Belvedere Park Nursing Care home in July 2023 for end of life care following a short stay at UHCW and then Rugby St Cross hospitals. All her significant and complex end of life care needs are being amply met 24 hours a day by the the wonderful and dedicated team of nursing and care staff, and the management team. My sister and I visit Mum every day and can discuss any matters about her care and her health, with any member of staff. Whoever we talk to will always give us time, reassurance and understanding, for which we are indebted. Thank you all!
Mum was fiercely independent and in her own words was NEVER going in to a care home. Sadly her health declined so bad carers at home would not be an option. After an initial settling in period at the Belvedere I have seen huge changes in mums personality, bright, chatty and happy even though bedridden. The friendly warm company of the staff. the peace of mind of been safe and cared for and the patience and understanding of staff and management of the Belvedere on accommodating mums extreme fussiness with food, irrational fears, stubbornness etc all have been contributing factors to her improvement.Mum is more content now than has been for years. This in turn has lifted pressure and feelings of guilt off my own shoulders. I feel the Belvedere is not just a business but actually cares and am really thankful mum got a place there.
Our mum went into Belvedere Park in August, sadly she was only there for a few weeks before she passed away. From the minute we first met the wonderful owners and staff we knew mum was in the best place. During mums time there the staff were a million to one, they were caring and compassionate and nothing was ever too much trouble for them. We were all treated lovely, just as if we and mum were family. We miss our mum dreadfully but we also miss our Belvedere family. If only there were more than 5 stars for the review but I suppose the rest are all in the sky now shining down on this beautiful home x Debbie, Sharon, David & Russell, Allie,Emma, Carly, CJ and Niamh xxx
I visit this care home regularly as a visiting health professional , it is rare to come across this high level of care with a team of people that are so invested in the quality of care given to the residents , this care home is truly amazing and is a prime example of what extremely high quality care consists of , absolute joy to visit , constant works and improvements being done to improve the residents well being in anyway they can even though it is already exceptional , team are amazing and the managers/owners and some of the best in the care sector.
Absolutely amazing home, I have never seen such attentive, caring and professional environment. Management and all the staff truly care about each and everyone one of the residents and I wouldn’t hesitate to send a loved one here. 5 star in my opinion. I would give 10 if I could :)
The owners and staff couldn’t have been more compassionate and caring of my Mum. They took exceptional care of her and we will always be grateful. I cannot recommend Belvedere Park Nursing Home highly enough. Thank you.
Belvedere Park Nursing Home in Earlsdon has been caring for my elderly mother for the past 11 months or so. The care they have given mum has been second to none and nothing is too much trouble. Mum was in another care home before which was not particularly good and I am so pleased we moved her to Belvedere Park where they look after so well. She gets on really well with the staff and they have catered for her needs. The communication with the home has been absolutely brilliant, as I live over 100 mile away from the home. All I can say, is thank you very much to all the staff involved with caring for my mother.
I am totally impressed with Belvedere Park Nursing Home, the staff and the management. I have extremely high expectations for customer service and my expectations have far been exceeded in all areas.My elderly friend has been a resident at Belvedere for some time and she is over the moon with the friendly, kind and helpful staff who provide her care in a genuine and loving manner 24 hours a day.I am regularly contacted and updated with all information regarding my friend. My friend and I are truly fortunate and grateful she is a resident in such a fantastic Nursing Home.Well done Belvedere and many many sincere thanks. John.
Very good staff , caring ,not a huge home and has limited spaces available ,so if your lucky enough to get a place you can guarantee that you will get a individual personal service . The resident that they had of mine was very happy and made to feel like she was in a home environment, Couldn’t fault them !Thank you guys
If there was an option for more stars I would give them.Belvedere Park nursing home are the very best. They looked after my nan for 3 years and they became like family to us all. The care that they provide is second to none. I would recommend them to anyone looking for care for their loved one!They truly care about each and every resident and cater for all different needs.If I had to choose again, I would choose them a thousand times over.I hope they will be around for a long time!Your loved one will be in safe hands here, trust me, I know.
Anand, Amisha, Tracey and all the staff were amazing in all aspects of Dad moving into Belvedere Park. They were all so welcoming and Dad settled there immediately and made friends very quickly. He loved the meals and was happy with the way he was respected and treated as one of the family. We were also made to feel part of the family and nothing was too much trouble for them. Sadly Dad was only there for a month before he passed away, suddenly but peacefully. To be surrounded by his new friends and family in such a beautiful place, although a very sad time, we are truly thankful to all at Belvedere Park for being with him in his last moments. We cannot thank you all enough.Elizabeth and David Riman
This is a wonderful care home. The staff here looked after my grandmother like she was a member of their own family. They treated her with kindness, warmth, respect and dignity and always with good humour. Anand and Amisha are welcoming and always take time to communicate and listen to the family. My grandmother was happy here. I thank you all for the care you gave to her and keeping everyone safe during the pandemic.
The Belvedere Nursing Home staff gave Mum the intensive, specialist nursing she needed at a very difficult time and their wonderful staff combined this with loving care and consideration.We are so grateful to them all and thank God that they were there for Mum when she and her family needed them.With all good wishes for the future to the Belvedere and their staff.
A very friendly, caring, co-operative clean establishment. Mother spent three and half years here. I cannot imagine her to be looked after better anywhere else, despite the restrictions of Covid 19. Best wishes to all the staff here for their sterling work.
Mum moved to Belvedere Park a year ago and has been in their care throughout lockdown. This hasn’t been easy for us all but Anand and Amisha and their staff are all very friendly and are always available to talk to about anything for both Mum and myself. This has been very comforting and I know Mum is safe. Mum was made to feel very welcome, has settled in and is cared for very well. She enjoys activities provided by the very friendly activities lady, and excellent meals cooked by lovely ladies in the kitchen. Excellent provisions have been made to visit Mum safely since restrictions have lifted a little. I am very much looking forward to the day when we can enter Belvedere Park properly and visit Mum in her room which is in the process of being decorated to her taste, and strengthen our already great relationship with everyone who works there. Thank you to all at Belvedere Park.
I have been so pleased with the excellent care my Mum received at Belvedere Park Nursing home after being discharged from hospital in October 2020. She had advanced Alzheimer's Disease and needed to be nursed in bed all the time and was unable to feed herself. Because of the Covid situation we were unable to visit Mum for a long period of time and could just look through the window. I witnessed on lots of occasions the kindness and care of the excellent staff and many times they didn't know I was watching. They spoke to her, stroked her face and took time feeding her and helping her drink. When Mum was discharged from hospital she was on the end of life pathway but due to the excellent care her last days were dignified and as comfortable as possible. I feel sure that her health was improved by the attention she received and feel so grateful for the kindness, expertise and compassion I experienced at Belvedere Park. The hygiene standards are impressive and it felt as if you were walking into someone's home when we were allowed in to be with Mum in her final days. The managers and all the staff coped and worked so intelligently with the necessary tests and restrictions imposed by the pandemic in such a brilliant way and communicated with us very well so we understood how we could be with Mum safely. This has been such an emotional and difficult time but we were so lucky that Mum came to Belvedere Park and I would highly recommend them.
I have nothing but praise for the Management and staff at Belvedere who looked after my father in his final 10 days and continue to look after my Mother.The staff are always helpful, cheerful and really can't do enough.The care they provide is second to none and having visited many care / nursing homes throughout my career in the ambulance service this rates as one of the best
Thank you to each and every member of staff at Belvedere, the care our mum/ nan received was second to none, everyone showed kindness and compassion right up until the end. Thank you so very much.
My sister has been in and out of hospital over the last four years, and each time she was discharged into a different care home, and then back to her own home. Consequently she - we - have direct experience of four of Coventry's care homes. All had caring, hard working staff, but until now, all left had us feeling a bit uneasy.She has been resident at the fifth, Belvedere Park, for over a year. This is without doubt an excellent care home, run by excellent, dedicated people, with a caring, professional staff. They are all hard working yet kind and compassionate - they are always ready and happy to make time for us as visitors and to address any concerns we might have.Something that stands out is that the residents' lounge has a happy, alert and chatty atmosphere - very different from others we have experienced. At last my sister, although unwell, is in a happy place.I strongly recommend Belveder Park.
The level of care Dad received at Belvedere park nursing home was wonderful. Dad was valued, supported, cared for and loved by the staff who cared for him. The level of hygiene was excellent not only in his own presentation but throughout the building. Dad formed positive relationships with the staff and we felt confident that he was well cared for at all times. In fact, the Nursing home felt like our family’s Second home! Dad’s needs were met and he was treated with absolute dignity. Records were always complete regarding food and drink consumption and we were well-informed of any changes in his health. Our family were incredibly well supported throughout Dad’s residence and particularly in his last few weeks. The time they gave us right until the end and the advice given to us was invaluable. We will be eternally grateful. Mum and I were welcomed after Dad had passed away and staff took particular care of my mum’s well-being in what has been a very difficult time following his death in regards to her own health. Staff also attended Dad’s funeral and this gave us great comfort because we know that they really knew Dad and had formed such strong relationships. We are indebted to the whole team. We cannot thank them enough. He was in the right place. The peace of mind that we all had as a family was invaluable. The loss of our dad is of course devastating but we also feel the loss of the team who cared for him. We will miss them all. Thank you
A nice welcoming atmosphere to both residence and families. There have been lots of updates and improvements and more to come. Over the last 9 months my family and I have got to know the staff and management - and some other residents well. So naturally there is a good build of trust for your loved ones care. Very clean environment too.
I can't begin to say how amazing the management and all the staff at Belevedere nursing home are. They went above and beyond expectations to make my beloved David Evans (uncle's), last few weeks...comfortable.... filled with love, care and respect they made us feel so welcome. Nothing was too much. In his last hours they were there holding his hand and never left his side. I am and will always be grateful to the whole team for allowing us to bring him home and be with him.From the bottom of my heart thank you Vicky and family xxxxx
