Talbot House in Poperinge in Northern Belgium was opened in December 1915 as a rest centre for British and Commonwealth Troops transiting through the railhead to and from frontline duty on the Ypres Salient on the Western Front. The house affectionately known as ‘Toc H’ or the ‘Everyman’s Club’, was a refuge where soldiers were invited to ‘come in and forget about the war’, where men and women of the services could sit and read a book, have a chat, a sing song or have a cup of tea. Christian nature would be encouraged, if needed to ‘Meet the Padre’ the enigmatic Chaplain 4th Class Philip’ Tubby’ Clayton, whose compassionate ear and ready wit was a soothing balm for those in nervous or mental turmoil. Upon entering Talbot House was a reminder notice, ‘ All Rank abandon ye who enter here’. All were treated equally where the lowly, but equally useful Private would rub shoulders with high-ranking officers. Where visitors may choose calm reflection in the upper room chapel, or to take the air in a garden, a moment of peace before whatever they may have to face, often an uncertain future.

After the guns fell silent on the Western Front on November 11th 1918 Talbot House was surplus to the Army’s need, and was phased down on the run up to Christmas Day closing just after. In the spirit and footsteps of the soldiers of the Great War, Talbot House is now a guesthouse and living museum where a warm welcome and a cup of tea greets visitors and Pilgrims to this onetime ‘Haven in Hell’.

Francis Mullen, SGWT Battlefield Guide has chosen Talbot House as a very special place not only as a place to visit, but “a place where I have happy and fond memories as a Volunteer Warden, helping to run the house and yes pouring endless cups of tea for thirsty visitors and pilgrims.”