Burgh House facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Burgh House
Burgh House seen from the south east on Well Walk
Location	New End Square, Hampstead
OS grid reference	TQ 2661 8595
Area	London Borough of Camden
Built	1704
Architectural style(s)	Queen Anne
Governing body	Burgh House Trust
Owner	London Borough of Camden
Listed Building – Grade I
Official name: Burgh House
Designated	11 August 1950
Reference no.	1113163
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Burgh House is a special old building in Hampstead, London. It's not just a house; it's also home to the Hampstead Museum. You might see it called "Burgh House & Hampstead Museum" too. It's a place where you can learn about local history and see cool exhibits.

A Journey Through Time: Burgh House History

Building a New Home in 1704

Burgh House was built in 1704. This was during the time when Queen Anne ruled Great Britain. Back then, a popular health resort called the Hampstead Wells Spa was very busy nearby.

In 1720, a doctor from the Spa, Dr. William Gibbons, moved into Burgh House. He made the house bigger and added a fancy iron gate. You can still see his initials on the gate today!

From Lewis House to Military Headquarters

One person who lived in the house was Israel Lewis. He was an upholsterer, which means he made and fixed furniture. For many years, until the 1870s, the house was even known as Lewis House.

Later, in 1858, Burgh House became a military building. It was taken over by the Royal East Middlesex Militia. It served as their main office and a place for officers to relax until 1881. After that, it became a family home again in 1884.

Famous Residents and Garden Designs

From 1906 to 1924, Dr. George Williamson lived in Burgh House. He was an expert in art from around the world. He asked a famous garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll, to create the garden. Today, only the terrace part of her design remains.

In 1925, Captain Constantine Evelyn Benson, a director at Lloyds Bank, bought the house. He added the music room, which is still there today.

Between 1933 and 1937, Rudyard Kipling's daughter, Elsie Bambridge, lived in Burgh House with her husband. Rudyard Kipling, a famous writer, visited his daughter at Burgh House in 1936. This was one of his last trips before he passed away.

Saving Burgh House for Everyone

From 1937 to 1946, Burgh House was empty. Then, in 1946, the Hampstead Borough Council bought and fixed it up. Some old army buildings in front of the house were removed. In 1947, Burgh House reopened as a community center. It even had a Citizen's Advice Bureau in its basement to help people.

In 1977, the house had to close again. The new owners, Camden Council, found a problem called dry rot inside the building. There were ideas to turn the house into a business. But local people wanted to keep it for the community. They formed a group called a charitable trust and started an appeal to "Keep Burgh House."

Because of their efforts, Camden Council gave the trust a lease for the house. The council restored the building, and the trust furnished it. On September 8, 1979, Burgh House reopened to the public. It has been a house and museum ever since.

Exploring the Hampstead Museum

What You Can See and Do Today

In recent years, Burgh House has been improved even more. This was possible with help from The Heritage Lottery Fund, Bridge House Trust, and many local supporters. The newly improved building opened its doors on July 16, 2006.

Burgh House is home to the world's largest collection of work by artist Helen Allingham. You can see many of her pieces there.

The first floor of Burgh House holds the Hampstead Museum. Here, you can find exhibits that tell the story of local history and culture. There are also galleries on the first floor and ground floor. These galleries show temporary exhibits of art, local history, and culture. If you get hungry, there's a cafe in the basement with outdoor seating in the gardens.

Today, Burgh House is a busy place! It hosts art shows and music concerts. People also rent it for special events like weddings, parties, and other private gatherings.