Horace Herbert Robinson: The Collector of Nightingale Road

The Collector of Nightingale Road: The Story of Horace 'Robbie' Robinson

Born in Palmers Green, London, on August 15th, 1896, Horace Herbert Robinson, known to all as 'Robbie', joined Lloyds Bank as a young man in 1914. After marrying his longtime friend, Mildred Manton, in 1929, Robbie embarked on a lifelong career with the bank that spanned over four decades.

In 1940, he moved to Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ultimately settling at 76 Nightingale Road in 1948. He remained with Lloyds until his retirement in 1956, stepping down as the respected manager of their bustling Great Portland Street branch and living out the rest of his days in the Hertfordshire community he had grown to call home.

A Veritable Museum

From an early age, Robbie was a compulsive collector of anything that took his fancy. Collecting became his principal hobby throughout his life, with the result that his house on Nightingale Road became a veritable museum.

In spite of the vast number of articles he possessed, he could always tell you where and when he bought each item, down to the exact price he paid, which was usually just a few shillings.

"His house in Nightingale Road became a veritable museum."

By the time of his passing, his eclectic collections included:

• A library of 2,000 books on the history and topography of London
• A large collection of Victorian 'Penny Black' stamps
• Numerous Longcase and Bracket clocks, wall barometers, and horse brasses
• A collection of flintlock muskets and fine paintings
• Exquisite furniture, including a striking four-poster bed

A Lasting Community Legacy

Following the death of his wife, Mildred, in 1976, and having no children, Robbie decided that the fruits of his lifelong collecting should serve a greater purpose. He wanted the proceeds from his estate to directly benefit his local community.

He chose to leave the residue of his estate to Watford Hospital, specifically stating that the funds must be used to purchase kidney machines for the benefit of out-patients.

After Robbie's death on March 6th 1983, the West Herts Health Authority gratefully accepted the bequest. The 'Horace Robinson Renal Unit' officially opened its doors with six dialysis machines, welcoming its first patients in January 1987 and leaving a lifesaving legacy that endures to this day.