Have you ever imagined living in a mansion where royalty and history intertwined? Today, you stand right in front of Roehampton House, a magnificent Grade I listed building in southwest London. It has witnessed the passing of centuries and the rise and fall of notable figures throughout its existence.
Roehampton House was built in 1712 for Thomas Cary, a prosperous merchant who made his fortune in the tobacco trade between Virginia, Maryland, the West Indies and Europe. The house was a testament to his wealth and status, with elegant interiors adorned by the prominent artist Sir James Thornhill. The “painted salon,” which graced the first floor above the entrance hall, was a sight to behold, with landscapes and the “Feast of the Gods” painted on the walls and ceiling, respectively. This magnificent room, sadly, perished in a bombing during World War II.
The house held a special significance for the Earls of Leven and Melville, who used it as their London residence in the 19th century. But the most profound event in Roehampton House’s history happened during World War I. In 1915, Kenneth Wilson, who owned the house then, generously leased it to the War Office. They, in turn, made it into a hospital for amputees, dedicating it to Queen Mary, King George V’s beloved consort. The hospital provided these soldiers with artificial limbs and rehabilitative treatment, giving then a chance to rebuild their lives.
This remarkable act of compassion transformed a grand residence into a symbol of hope and resilience. The house remained a hospital for many years after the war, becoming part of the NHS in 1961. In 2010, the Berkeley Group Holdings converted the property into 24 luxury apartments and houses, ensuring that the legacy of this exceptional house lives on. Today, as you gaze at the grand façade, let your mind wander through the centuries of stories woven into the fabric of this esteemed building.