An end - or a new chapter?

Since the end of World War II there was a change in London, particularly in the decline in population in the inner areas. The number of young people was much lower than it used to be and the inner London Education Authority were having to consider seriously the closure of schools due to the falling rolls. This was being reflected in London scouting. Districts had amalgamated and other problems then were to be faced.


The story of the house -a splendid tale of service and dedication to the ideals of scouting- had been punctuated by financial troubles. Inflation had wreaked havoc on the ability of those responsible to maintain, repair and renovate the property. The age of the buildings had not helped and it became clear that a serious, possibly insuperable problem was present, although the change was sufficiently slow as to be almost unnoticeable.

With great reluctance the committee of the Council decided that the hostel at the house should be closed on December 31, 1982. As the acquisition of the house was the subject of Roland Philipps' will, the trustees were in contact with the Charity Commission about the future.

(Click here to see Roland House's nowadays pictures)

The famous house Roland inherited to his boys, operation base during World War I, permanent Scout Headquarters for East London, and settlement that hosted more than four thousand boys had closed. The house was sold and Roland's medals, sword, stave, epaulets and shoulder knot were returned to his descendants along with some furniture, his portrait and other personal belongings. The chapel at the cellar where many found peace of mind during the dark days of World War II had been dismantled, and the two candlesticks next to his photograph didn't light anymore The same happened to the wooden cross from Roland's grave in France. It just disappeared.