Winter 2012 - Arcadian Times

Local History
Intrigue
in Ham
Spymasters and WWII code-breakers are some of the colourful
inhabitants of Ham’s Latchmere House. Following a recent
consultation on 17 October over its expected sale next year,
Lucie Emerson takes a look at its turbulent history.
Built in the 19th Century as a private dwelling, Latchmere House
on Church Road in Ham became a hospital during World War I for
the treatment of shell-shocked officers. In World War II, it earned
its notorious reputation as a secret MI5 interrogation centre for
suspected spies, mostly Nazis, with the code name Camp 020.
The Camp Commandant was Lt Colonel Robin Stephens, known as
‘Tin Eye’ for the monocle he wore, allegedly even when he slept.
As Camp 020, Latchmere House was bombed twice in the winter
of 1940 - 1941 and was renowned for the vital information
it obtained from suspected spies, as well as for the number
it ‘turned’ into double agents. Camp 020 contributed to the
security service’s ‘Double Cross System’ - MI5’s anti-espionage
and deception operation - and provided information to Bletchley
Park’s code breakers.
‘Tin Eye’ Stephens was known for his psychological approach
to interrogation and said:”Violence is taboo. For not only does
it produce answers to please but it lowers the standard of
information.” However, some of those who did not cooperate
sufficiently faced execution at the Tower of London. In the book
Spooks, authors Thomas Hennessey and Claire Thomas cite an
extract from the security service papers that “the penalty for
espionage is death. If the spy tells the truth he may live. There is
no guarantee; it is a hope, not more ... Psychology and discipline
should produce that result.” In an extract of his recent book Cruel
Britannia, however, Guardian journalist Ian Cobain highlights
more extreme measures used in Camp 020, which may have
gone beyond psychological pressure.
In 1948, Latchmere House was bought by Her Majesty’s Prison
Service and from 1991 until 2011, was the site of a resettlement
prison for young adults coming to the end of their sentence.
Some of these young men could be seen at a recent Ham Fair
with birds of prey for children to pat.
In Spooks, Hennessey and Thomas write “The story of Ham is
stranger than fiction; indeed, as a work of fiction it would violate
the probabilities”, referring to Camp 020. Ham and Petersham
residents will no doubt be very interested to see who will
occupy this location next, perhaps providing it with some peace
after such a turbulent history.
The Grotto
Stories
Two Princes, hellbent on power
and destruction.
Marble Hill House burnt to the ground.
Ham Library in peril.
Out this Christmas!
Order ‘The Grotto Stories’ now
and get it delivered to your door.
Copies, priced £7.99,
can be ordered by emailing handpmag@gmail.com
40% of each book sold goes to
Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice
Diamond Jubilee Party
THE HAM
BREWERY TAP
4-6 Ham Street, Ham, Richmond. Surrey. TW10 7HT Tel. 0208 255 0208
Try Our New Freshly Made Panini Lunchtime Menu
Tuesdays-Poker Evening from 8.30pm
£5 + £1(bounty) enjoy a one-off game or play for points to gain a seat
at the final table, and a chance to double your winnings.
Thursdays-Quiz-Bingo from 8.30pm
It’s not always the most intelligent who win this fresh idea for a pub quiz.
Play on your own or part of a team.
Saturdays – Famous Meat Draw 3pm
£1 Tickets are available all week, but be here at 3pm to choose your
favourite piece of meat for your Sunday Roast.
KARAOKE, LIVE MUSIC, DARTS, POOL – Real Ales & Cocktails
Opening Hours 11am – Midnight
Ham&Petersham
Winter 2012 Winter 2012
Ham&Petersham
26 magazine
magazine 27