Celebrating Elizabeth Braundt: A Legacy Cemented at Providence House

In the heart of Battersea, a new blue plaque gleams in the sunlight, a testament to the enduring legacy of Elizabeth Braundt, the visionary founder of Providence House. This emblem of recognition, unveiled in a touching ceremony, marks more than just the physical space where Braundt’s transformative work began. It symbolizes the countless lives she touched and the community she uplifted through her unwavering dedication to service.

A Vision Born in Battersea

It was in the bustling streets of Battersea that Elizabeth Braundt saw the potential for change. Amidst the post-war reconstruction, she envisioned a place of refuge and growth for the youth—a sanctuary that would come to be known as Providence House. Her mission was clear: to create a haven where children and families could find support, education, and a sense of belonging.

The Unveiling Ceremony

The unveiling of the blue plaque was a momentous occasion, bringing together members of the community, local dignitaries, and those who had been directly impacted by Braundt’s work. As the cloth was drawn back to reveal the plaque, there was a collective intake of breath—a moment of shared pride and reflection on the profound influence of Providence House.

A Legacy That Lives On

Elizabeth Braundt may no longer be with us, but her spirit endures in the walls of Providence House and in the hearts of those it serves. The blue plaque is a beacon of hope, a reminder that one person’s compassion can ignite a flame that burns brightly for generations.

As we celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we are reminded of the power of community and the indelible mark one individual can leave on the world. Elizabeth Braundt’s legacy is not just etched in stone; it is woven into the fabric of Battersea and beyond.


Providence House continues to be a pillar of the Battersea community, embodying the values and vision of its founder. The blue plaque is not only an honour for Elizabeth Braundt but also an inspiration for all who believe in the power of giving back

Founder of Providence House dies aged 91

It is the end of an era for Providence House.

Around 1960, Elizabeth Braund first started the youth work in the old Providence Chapel before today’s housing estates were built.

Elizabeth Braund

Elizabeth Braund

In 1970 she opened the present building on Falcon Road to consolidate the work with young people and families. Providence House still functions today on the Falcon Road as a flourishing centre for community activities and responding to changing social needs.

In 1975 the new adventure to Dartmoor began, with the opening of East Shallowford Farm in 1976.

On Monday 20th May 2013, Elizabeth passed away at her home, East Shallowford, just 3 weeks short of 92 years.

Her legacy is in the lives of countless Battersea and Wandsworth families.

Elizabeth wrote many books, one of which Young Woman Who Lived in a Shoe (Prisca) tells the story of Providence House, “Ethelberta” a children’s story written for the BBC Children’s Hour and numerous articles for The Evangelical Magazine and other Christian periodicals.

Read obituary here: http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Editor-helped-inner-city-children-experience-farm/story-19121138-detail/story.html#axzz2Un4ZsidJ