Talbot House during the Great War

Published on 6 December 2020
Submitted by Simon Louagie

In this presentation, which was delivered 'live' to an online audience, Talbot House Manager Simon Louagie takes us on a tour of the Old House with lots of anecdotes and stories.

Poperinge, or Petit Paris as Tommy called it, was home at one point to a quarter of a million troops. Allow us to take you on a journey through the field hospitals, camps and the town centre of Pops.

How did the locals for instance perceive all of this? Talbot House was created as a healthy alternative form of entertainment. Gradually its scope extended beyond the 6th Division and it became one of the institutions of the British Army. How did this come to be? What made and makes this club so unique? And what happened to it after the First World War? 

Talbot House during the Great War
Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:

Online Webinar Icon
Online webinars

The WFA regularly makes available webinars which can be viewed 'live' from home. These feature expert speakers talking about a particular aspect of the Great War.

Iwasthere Icon
I Was There!

Featured on The WFA's YouTube channel are modern day re-interpretations of the inter-war magazine 'I Was There!' which recount the memories of soldiers who 'were there'.

Pensionrecords Icon
Pension records

Explore over 8 million digitized pension records, Medal Index Cards and Ministry of Pension Documents, preserved by the WFA.

Other Articles

Gemini Generated Image 4M6i634m6i634m6i
8 August 2026

The RAF at the Battle of Amiens, 8 - 11 August 1918

Read more
Lewis Gun Drill By 28Th AIF
1 August 2026

Death from the Sky: The 28th Bttn AIF

Read more
Gemini Generated Image Ypxif7ypxif7ypxi (1)
30 July 2026

The New Zealand Division in the Third Battle of Ypres

Read more
Burslem Potteries
25 July 2026

From Burslem to the Somme and the long road to Commemoration

Read more
Walworth(Early20thc)Road Old2,Jpg
21 July 2026

The South London Ghost Stations: Why Five ‘Temporary’ WWI Closures Became Permanent

Read more