In the heart of the Poperinge metropolis, the last remaining “unoccupied” town behind the lines, Padre Philip Tubby Clayton opened his soldier’s refuge on 11 December 1915. The beautiful mansion of the family Coevoet was turned into an “Every Man’s Club”. All soldiers, regardless of rank or status, were welcomed and treated equally. Talbot House offered a homely alternative from the dissolute entertainment in town. Soldiers would find a library, a well-kept garden, a concert hall and a magnificent chapel in the upper room here. For hundreds of thousands, this became a home from home where they would find comfort, humanity and peace.

Today, Talbot House is both a living museum, a guesthouse and meeting place with a unique atmosphere. You can discover its century long history in our new permanent exhibition ‘A House of People’. During your journey through the House, a digital storytablet will take you on a tour and share lots of anecdotes with you. In the former Concert Hall, you can enjoy a reproduction of a Happy Hoppers Concert or perhaps sneak into the oast house for a fascinating presentation on the life of our founding father, Rev. Tubby Clayton. And of course, don’t forget to have a chat with our wardens and enjoy a cup of tea or a delicious picnic with local products. Today Talbot House offers, as real as then, a unique experience.

Last entrance at 16.30.
Only group visits on Mondays.