Places of Interest
Boston Manor House
Boston Manor Road, Brentford, TW8 9JX
The first section of the house was built in 1623 and occupied during the Civil War by Sir Edward Spencer and his wife, Lady Mary.
From 1670 it was the home of generations of the Clitherow family who extended the building, demolished the original house and eventually sold the park and house to the local authority in the 1920s. Part of the 1623 section of the house is open to the public from the beginning of April to the end of October on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 2.30 pm to 5pm. Admission is free.
For more information ring 0845 4562800.
The Friends of Boston Manor have a cafe near the children’s playgound open at weekends and organise an annual Festival on the first Sunday in September.
www.fobm.org.uk
Syon House
Syon Park, Brentford, TW8 8JF
In 1604, Henry Percy, the 9th Earl of Northumberland was gifted the freehold of Syon by King James I and it has remained in the ownership of the Percy family until the present day.
The house was captured by the royalists when they attacked Brentford on 12 November 1642 during the Civil War and damaged the following day by parliamentarian artillery fire from ships in the Thames.
For the 1st Duke and Duchess of Northumberland Robert Adam created what has been described as ‘one of the finest villas in Europe’.
From March to October when the house is open there is a programme of special events. See www.syonpark.co.uk for these and times of opening and admission charges. The garden centre, refectory, shops and other attractions are open throughout the year.
General Information 020 8560 09881.
Gunnersbury Park and Museum
Popes Lane, London W3 8LQ
The Large Mansion, which now houses the museum was the home of the Rothschild family until it was sold to the local councils in 1925. It has a permanent display that includes the Rothschild’s carriages and runs temporary exhibitions of local interest. Tours of the impressive Victorian Kitchens are given at weekends and Bank Holidays from April to October 1.30 to 4.30pm. Admission is free.
The park contains the Orangery, the Temple, gothic ruins and garden features. It has a children’s playground, pitch and putt courses and sports facilities. There is a café that is open daily.
Tel. 020 8992 1612 Web. www.hounslow.info/gunnersburypark
Email gp-museum@cip.org.uk
Osterley Park and House
Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB
A magnificent neo-classical house with fine Adam interiors, landscaped park and 18th century gardens. The house was home to Sir William Waller, a leading parliamentary general during the Civil War.
National Trust Property. Admission and car parking charges apply. Jersey galleries and Park have free admission.
Tel 01494 755566 (infoline), 020 8232 5050
Email osterley@nationaltrust.org.uk
Chiswick House
Burlington Lane, Chiswick, W4
A glorious example of 18th century British architecture that was built for the 3rd Earl of Burlington who designed this elegant Classical villa after his inspiration on his Grand Tours of Italy.
English Heritage Property. For opening hours and admission charges 020 8995 0508
www.english-heritage.org.uk/chiswickhouse
The Chiswick House and Gardens Trust is restoring the historic gardens and improving visitor facilities. www.chgt.org.uk
Hogarth’s House
Hogarth Lane, Great West Road, Chiswick, W4 2QN
The house was built around 1700 this was the country home of the great painter, engraver and satirist, William Hogarth from 1749 until his death in 1764. The garden is still home to his mulberry tree.
Closed Mondays. Admission free. For opening times tel 020 8994 6757.
www.hounslow.info/hogarthshouse
Kew Bridge Steam Museum
Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, TW8 OEN
Winner of Museum and Heritage Awards 2006
Built in the 19th century to supply Londoners with water, the museum is recognised as the most important historic site of the water industry in Britain.
Information about hours of opening, admission charges (kids go free), the Water for Life Gallery, the pumping engines, waterworks railway and special events www.kbsm.org Email info@kbsm.org
Tel 020 8568 4757
Cafe open at weekends.
Ham House and Garden
Ham Street, Ham, Richmond upon Thames, TW10 7RS
A unique 17th century house with sumptuous interiors, original collections and restored formal gardens.
National Trust property. Tel 020 8940 1950 or Email hamhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk for times of opening and admission charges.
Heritage Walks
The Hounslow Heritage Guides have a series of local history walks in Brentford, Chiswick and Isleworth on Sundays at 2.30 from the beginning of June to the end of October.
Full details of the programme and meeting places www.hounslow-heritage.org.uk