From the newly-refurbished and re-opened Boston Manor House – a fine Jacobean manor house built in 1623, situated in its own park with a lake and ancient cedar trees, to the heart of industrial Victorian London, Brentford has lots to offer the Open House visitor.
Visit the St Lawrence 15th century tower, which started life as part of a hospital and chapel in the 12th century. Virtually derelict since the 1960s, it has now been refurbished but is unused, so this is a unique opportunity to see it. Hear about the local history from passionate locals (Brentford Then and
Now/Brentford through the Ages) and visit the Butts Conservation Area, with beautifully proportioned wide streets of 18th century houses. Its name hints at a history dating back even further, to the 16th century, when Henry VIII commandeered land north of the High Street for archery practice. Find out about Brentford’s local heroes such as JMW Turner, and celebrate his 250th birthday by walking through Brentford, seeing landscapes he painted, while exploring buildings with which he was familiar.
From Kew Bridge to Boston Manor House is a 30-minute walk.
Walking tour
A tour from Brentford to Isleworth. An opportunity to reminisce about and view landscapes Turner painted, while exploring buildings with which he was familiar, ranging from a surviving purpose built Georgian School of Industry to the grandeur of 16thC Syon House and 17thC Gordon House, both embellished by architect Robert Adam.
