Wimbledon ace's Killiney home

With Wimbledon underway we thought we’d share with you “Secrora” in Killiney, the former home of Joshua Pim – twice Wimbledon men’s singles and doubles champion.

Joshua, known as “Josh” was born in 1869 in Bray and yes he is descended and related to the famous Pimm’s brand.

Josh studied medicine in the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin and also the Royal College of Physicians in London. He would go on to be the Medical Officer at St. Columcille’s Hospital in Loughlinstown for 42 years.

A member of the Lansdowne Club – then known as the All Ireland Lawn Tennis Club – his first tennis triumph was in 1890 when he won both the Irish and English doubles championships.

Two years later in 1893 Pim won both the Wimbledon men’s singles and doubles, partnering with Frank Stoker for the doubles triumph and he successfully defended his singles title in 1893.

“Secora” was built in the 1840’s and before the Pim’s the house was inhabited by TW Rolleston, an important figure in the late 19th century Celtic Revival, author of Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race and collaborator with Yeats (who was photographed in the garden of Secrora in the 1890s).

The house retains much of its original charm and character, together with very many period features: ceiling covings and cornices, fireplaces and shuttered sash windows.

Take a look inside at Pim’s former home.