Once upon a time there was a place for old entertainers. This is Brinsworth House. It stands as a testament to the Royal Variety Charity’s dedication to those who’ve graced the stage and screen.
Brinsworth House is more than just a retirement home. It is a haven for theatre and entertainment professionals. It sits on Staines Road in Twickenham. This London Borough of Richmond upon Thames provides a beautiful setting.
The Royal Variety Charity owns and runs Brinsworth House. Inside, you’ll find 36 bedrooms. There are also six living rooms. A library, an in-house bar, and even a stage are there. The house is set in five acres of land. A staff of 64 ensures the residents are well cared for.
Brinsworth House has a rich history. It was built in 1850. In 1911, it opened as a retirement home.
Frank Matcham was a theatre architect. In 1912, he designed a wing for Brinsworth House. He did it free of charge. Work began in June and finished in October.
The Royal Variety Charity maintains Brinsworth House. The charity was founded in 1908. It was created to care for members of the variety and music hall profession. The Royal Variety Performance funds the charity. Voluntary donations also help. Since 2007, proceeds from Britain’s Got Talent phone voting have contributed too.
Many famous faces have called Brinsworth House home. Hylda Baker lived here. Penny Calvert, Bruce Forsyth’s first wife, was also a resident. Pearl Carr spent her final years here. Other notable residents include Derek Cooper, Charlie Drake, and Roy Fox. Alan Freeman, Mona Hammond, and John Hewer also lived at Brinsworth House. Dame Thora Hird, Renée Houston, and Teddy Johnson were residents too. Kathy Kirby, Mick McManus, and Alf Pearson once lived here. Emily Perry, Ronnie Ronalde, and Ben Warriss were also residents. Jack Wilson and Mike Yarwood complete the list of past celebrity residents of Brinsworth House.
The Music Hall Artistes’ Railway Association proposed a benevolent fund in 1907. This was the seed that grew into Brinsworth House. Joe O’Gorman and Joe Elvin both championed the idea of a home for old performers.
In March 1911, the MHARA Secretary decided to act. Instead of building a new home, they purchased a property. It needed to be suitable and near Central London.
Joe Elvin found a mansion near Twickenham. It had five acres of land. In August 1911, they bought the property for £2,400. Alterations cost another £500. The Performer newspaper raised funds to furnish the house.
A reception was held at Brinsworth House. Joe Elvin proposed the Noble Six Hundred. Each member would donate £2.50. By April, they had raised enough to pay off the mortgage.
In 1912, Brinsworth House took over the Music Hall home at Gypsy Hill. All residents were moved to Brinsworth House. An extension was built. King George V and Queen Mary attended a Royal Command Performance to support the plans.
The Royal Variety Performance became an annual event. It supports Brinsworth House and the Benevolent Fund. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, opened two new wings over the years.
Between 2020 and 2023, Brinsworth House was refurbished. The Giles Cooper Wing now offers ensuite bedrooms and modern facilities. The interior design has a theatrical twist.
Brinsworth House provides safety, peace, and happiness. It is a true home for entertainers. The Royal Variety Charity also helps entertainers living in their own homes. They offer grants and mental health support. Brinsworth House stands as a beacon of care. It honors those who have brought joy to countless audiences.