THE GIRL RECLUSE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 17, 14 October 1933, Page 18

THE GIRL RECLUSE

A Mystery of Twickenham

Overlooking the river at Cross Deep, Twickenham, is a row of three niodern villas, says a London paper. Two of them are tidy. The third, with all the signs of complete neglect, houses “the Girl Recluse of the Thames,” whose existence is causing speculation and sympathetic concern among the large number of residents in the district. A young woman, not yet thirty, is the occupant. She has not been seen to cross the door for at least two years. No tradesmen call. The garden is overgrown with long grass. The windows are covered with the dust of years.

Twice a week or so, a bent old lady arrives at the villa, usually in the evening, with a basket of food. After knocking, she is admitted. One night recently she knocked so long before there was any reply that a crowd gathered.

Finally the door was opened slightly, and the basket was taken in, but the old lady went away. Other callers knocked in vain. A woman’s voice asks them their business and tells them to go away. Local officials who, at the request of neighbours, have investigated, state that the Inside of the house, as viewed between the curtains, presents the same uncared-for appearances as the outside.

Paper is scattered all over the floors. In the sitting room the furniture has obviously not been touched for years. On the table are piled a large number of parcels wrapped in yellowing newsprint. At the back of the house some of the windows are painted over. The only sign of life by day is the perpetual trickle of water into the drain, ns if a bath tap were constantly running.

At night everything is still. Sometimes the light of a candle flitting eerily from room to room can be seen. One of the neighbours, in the interests of the mysterious recluse, has approached seven different public authorities with a view to intervention. The authorities say they have no power to Interfere. An Englishwoman’s home is her castle.

Who is the recluse, and what led to her present strange mode of life? For old people to shut themselves up in a house is not uncommon. For a young woman under 30, in the best years of her life, to cut herself off from society is so unusual as to be a matter of public concern. About eight years ago the house was bought by a retired clergyman of over 70.

■With him was a bright young woman of 19 or 20, who stated she was his adopted niece. There was also a housekeeper.

The clergyman fell ill seven years ago, was taken to a nursing home, and soon afterwards died. The house, and an Income, was left in his will to the girl, Miss Violet Brown, who continued to live alone.

At first she seemed happy, and could often be heard singing. Then she seemed gradually to shun contact with her neighbours, and came out. to do the garden only at night. Finally even these excursions ceased, and the'garden was left unattended. For two long years she has not been seen. The old lady who calls with the basket has been traced. She lives in Putney. “I am the young woman’s mother,” she said. “My daughter is a sweet girl, and can look after herself. Everything will be put right shortly.” “Why does she never leave the house?’’ “She is not well. She has had trouble with her leg. and is attending to it herself. "Wouldn’t a doctor be a help?” “My daughter is quite able to look after hersdlf. It is true that there are a number of parcels tied up in one of the rooms. “Over two years ago she was arranging to sell the’house, but the prospective purchaser was taken ill and withdrew.

“My daughter had started to pack her belongings. When she did not sell the house she was bitterly disappointed. But she is all right. She can look after herself.” Meanwhile the mystery house of Cross Deep and its young owner attract more and more attention.