STAR AND GARTER

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 181, 24 March 1932, Page 6

STAR AND GARTER

H.ISTORIC OLD INN FAMOUS RESORT OF GEORGIAN DAYS. NOW SOLDIERS' HOME. 1 A name that has been linked with the history of Richmond Hdl, Lon- j don, since the beginning of the eighteenth century is the "Star and Gar- j ter." It was built as an inn in 1738, ' I replacing one errected in the time I of Henry VIII. From time to time this inn was altered and added to as necessities arose, and in the older Georgian times became a resort of gay and fashionable London. Celebrities of all nations met there, the guests including, among others, Napoleon III and the Empress Eugene, King Victor Emmanuel, Louis Phillippe, Marshal Soult, Lord John Russell, Dickens, Thaclceray, Tennyson and Ruskin. But fashion is ficlcle, and the hotel, its vogue outworn, stood deserted and finally closed down. Then came the Great War, and a new use was found for it as a home for disabled soldiers. An appeal for funds was made, largely through the agency of the Auctioneers and Land Agents Institute of the United Kingdom. This was most successful, and the "Star and Garter" was bought, and presented to Her Majesty the Queen, who was specially interested in the permanently disaliled men, and she handed it over to the Red Cross to carry out the benevolent scheme which had been planned. It was found, however, that the old building was for many reasons most unsuitable for the purpose, and funds for a new building were provided by the Women of the Empire in response to a world-wide appeal. Assistance was also given by the school children of Great Britain, under the auspices of the Navy League. The farmers, meat, and allied trades, tobacco trade and others, all helped in this great effort, with the result that a most wonderful home has been' supplied amidst very beautiful surroundings. The honorary architect of the new "Star and Garter" was Sir Edwin Cooper, and it is planned with regard to every possible want of invalids and disabled men. A seaside branch has been formed also, and a small estate has been acquired at Sandgate, Kent, where change and seaside air may be obtained. The cost of maintenance of the homes is partly met by the full pensions allowed to the men from Government, and partly from endowments. Money has been received by gift and by bequest, ancl many of, the expenses of entertainment and sundries are met by private friends. The home is largely due to the efforts of Em;)ire women, as the wards and beds are mostly supplied by them.