If you find yourself at the picturesque junction of Willow Road and Well Walk in Hampstead, take a moment to look around. You can’t miss Burgh House (see picture at the top of this post!), a grand Queen Anne-style residence dating back to 1704. Today, it’s a vibrant hub for the community, housing a local museum, an art gallery, and serving as a sought-after venue for weddings and receptions. And let’s not forget the Buttery cafe, definitely worth a visit (find the entrance just around the corner in the curiously named New End Square – spoiler: it’s neither new nor square!).
From Brook House to Burgh House: A Rich History
The story of Burgh House begins in 1704 when it was known as Brook House. It was built for the well-to-do haberdasher Henry Sewell and his wife Hannah who were members of the Society of Friends (Quakers). This was also the era of the Hampstead Wells Spa, a health resort where visitors flocked to take the waters, dance in the Long Room, and socialize, making Hampstead a fashionable destination for wealthy merchants and lawyers.
Over the centuries, the house has seen a fascinating cast of characters:
- Dr. William Gibbons (resident 1720-1743): The physician for the Hampstead Wells Spa during its heyday. He significantly extended the house at the rear, and his initials “WG” can still be seen on the distinctive Grade II listed wrought iron gates. Dr. Gibbons was also a pioneer in importing mahogany and commissioned some of the very first furniture made from this exotic wood. And wood panelling from the Spa’s old Long Room was reused in the Burgh house’s Music Room (built later in the early 1900s).
- Israel Lewis (resident 1776-1820): An upholsterer and benefactor to the nearby Rosslyn Hill Chapel. During his time, the house was known as Lewis House. He was acquainted with the poet John Keats, who lived nearby, often visiting him and sending fruit from his orchard. Lewis also seems to have been a character – he was once fined for keeping a ‘dung pile’ in his gardens!
- Reverend Allatson Burgh (resident 1822-1856): The Vicar of St Lawrence Jewry in the City of London. He had a somewhat stormy relationship with his parishioners (who tried to petition the Queen for his removal!). Samuel Wesley, a frequent visitor, called him “an odd fellow — as diverting as Punch”. Despite his eccentricities, he left a lasting mark by campaigning to protect Hampstead Heath from development and gave the house its current name.
- Royal East Middlesex Militia (resident 1858-1881): The house served as the headquarters and officers’ mess. While intended for home defence, the officers’ mess gained a reputation as a lively social club, whose antics weren’t always popular with the neighbours! Barrack blocks even covered the garden (they’re long gone now).
- Return to Domesticity: After the militia left, the house welcomed families like those of stained-glass designer Thomas Grylls (from 1884), art expert Dr. George William (1906-1924) who housed his vast library here and commissioned Gertrude Jekyll to design the garden (only the terrace of which remains), and Elsie Bambridge (1933-1937), daughter of Rudyard Kipling. Her famous father was a regular visitor, making his last visit shortly before his death in 1936.
Saved by the Community
The house fell vacant from 1937 to 1946 and suffered from dry rot. Owned by the local council, it faced demolition threats both after the war and again in the 1970s. Thankfully, locals rallied, raising over £50,000 to save it. The Burgh House Trust took over the lease in 1979, and it reopened as the Burgh House and Hampstead Museum we know and love today.
Visit Burgh House and Explore Hampstead with Us!
Burgh House continues to thrive, offering fascinating insights into Hampstead’s history alongside contemporary art exhibitions, concerts and the Buttery Cafe. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hampstead.
Want to discover more hidden corners and fascinating stories of this unique London village? Come on one of Camden Guides’ Hampstead Walks! Many of our routes include a stop at Burgh House, giving you the perfect context for this historic gem. We highly recommend adding the Museum, Art Gallery, and Cafe to your Hampstead itinerary.