Talbot House was (and arguably still is) home from home for the British soldiers during the First World War. It was a bit of heaven, just behind hell.
Offering a canteen, surreal green garden, concert hall, library, billiards and of course a Chapel, it welcomed some half a million soldiers. The house rules were simple yet specific, everyone was admitted and treated equal. It reminded them what they were fighting for and gave them the hope and courage to return once more to the frontline where so many of them lie still today.
Today, it’s been kept as it was. Revd. Tubby Clayton, who was it’s instigator and driving force (hurricane force) insisted that it would be used for the same purposes today.
We are always very keen to welcome serving soldiers in the Club. Besides a ‘museum’ and a guest house, it very much is still a military club which thrives when it gets its old customers in for a cuppa.
If you have not yet visited, do add it to your list of places to visit! It’s gone onto ours!
Photo Credit: Simon Louagie.
