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 historic house in Hampstead, London. It is also home to the Hampstead Museum. You can find it on New End Square. The house is often called Burgh House & Hampstead Museum.

Discovering Burgh House's Past

Burgh House was built in 1704. This was during the time Queen Anne ruled Britain. Back then, the Hampstead Wells Spa was very popular. People visited for its special waters.

Early Owners and Changes

In 1720, Dr. William Gibbons moved into Burgh House. He was a doctor at the spa. He made the house bigger. He also added the fancy iron gate you see today. It even has his initials!

Later, a person named Israel Lewis lived here. He was an upholsterer, someone who makes furniture coverings. For many years, until the 1870s, the house was known as Lewis House.

Military Headquarters

In 1858, Burgh House got a new purpose. The Royal East Middlesex Militia took it over. It became their main office and a place for officers to relax. This lasted until 1881. After that, in 1884, the house became a home again.

Art and Music Connections

From 1906 to 1924, Dr. George Williamson lived in the 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 paid £4,750 for it. He built the music room where Dr. Williamson's library used to be.

A Famous Visitor

Between 1933 and 1937, Rudyard Kipling's daughter, Elsie Bambridge, lived in Burgh House. She lived there with her husband, Captain George Bambridge. Rudyard Kipling was a very famous writer. His last trip out in 1936 was to Burgh House. He came to visit his daughter.

Saving Burgh House

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

In 1977, the house closed again. Its new owners, Camden Council, found a problem called dry rot. There were plans to use the house for business. But local people wanted to save it. They formed a group called a charitable trust. They started an appeal called "Keep Burgh House."

Because of their efforts, Camden Council gave them a lease for the house. On September 8, 1979, Burgh House reopened to the public. The council had fixed it, and the trust had furnished it. It became the house and museum we know today.

Hampstead Museum Today

In recent years, Burgh House has been improved even more. This was possible with help from The Heritage Lottery Fund and others. The newly fixed building opened on July 16, 2006.

Collections and Exhibits

Burgh House has the world's largest collection of work by Helen Allingham. She was a famous artist.

The first floor of the house is where you'll find the Hampstead Museum. It has exhibits about the local history and culture of Hampstead. There are also galleries on the first floor and ground floor. These show temporary exhibits of art and local history.

Events and Activities

A cafe is located in the basement. You can also sit outside in the gardens. Burgh House often hosts art shows and music concerts. It is also a popular place for weddings and other private events.