Portsmouth farmhouse converted into home for ‘infirm blind’ | Nostalgia

Many of you or your families may have had cause to use Jubilee House, a Portsmouth home run by the Care UK Community Partnership.
By Bob Hind
Published 9th Apr 2020, 23:16 BST
Updated 9th Apr 2020, 23:17 BST
On September 4, 1935, the Jubilee Home for the Aged, Infirm and Blind was opened by the lord mayor WJ Avens.On September 4, 1935, the Jubilee Home for the Aged, Infirm and Blind was opened by the lord mayor WJ Avens.
On September 4, 1935, the Jubilee Home for the Aged, Infirm and Blind was opened by the lord mayor WJ Avens.

It is at Wymering and there is accommodation for people who require nursing for dementia, mental health conditions and general care for those aged 65 and above.

In fact, the main house was once a farmhouse dating from the middle of the Victorian age.

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It is a two-storey, red brick property with a clay tiled roof. It was once part of the manor of Wymering and was either East Wymering Farm or Lower Farm.

The old East Wymering Farm farmhouse, now Jubilee House, and used for social care. Picture: Habibur RahmanThe old East Wymering Farm farmhouse, now Jubilee House, and used for social care. Picture: Habibur Rahman
The old East Wymering Farm farmhouse, now Jubilee House, and used for social care. Picture: Habibur Rahman

In 1935 the building was taken over by the City Corporation in association with the Voluntary Association for the Blind. It was then called the Jubilee Home for the Aged and Infirm Blind.

At that time, what is now Medina Road was the main Southampton Road from Cosham.

The home was opened on September 4, 1935 by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth WJ Avens with a golden key.

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The corporation’s flag was broken on a high flagpole by JF Hooper, the life president of the Voluntary Association for the Blind.

A busy scene at the eastern end of Highland Road in 1960 with the Highland Arms on the left. Picture: TV Runnacles.A busy scene at the eastern end of Highland Road in 1960 with the Highland Arms on the left. Picture: TV Runnacles.
A busy scene at the eastern end of Highland Road in 1960 with the Highland Arms on the left. Picture: TV Runnacles.

The home had accommodation for 10 men and 16 women. The home was said to have been delightful and designed with sympathy and understanding and nothing but the highest praise could be afforded it.

In later years the home was a rehabilitation and palliative end-of-life centre. Today it offers Care in the Community services.

Today, the former farmhouse remains unchanged, even the roof tiles appear the same. the windows appear to have been converted to double glazing but with the same design. Two towering chimneys remain I am glad to say.

In the photograph can be seen the home’s committee members and some of the residents.

The modern photograph is the house today with modern adjoining extensions.

Related topics:NostalgiaPortsmouthMayorWymering

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