Whitehall, Cheam facts for kids
Whitehall in Cheam
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| Location | Cheam, London Borough of Sutton |
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| Type | Historic house museum |
| Public transit access |  Cheam |
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Whitehall is a very old house in Cheam Village, London. It's now a museum where you can learn about history. This house was built around the year 1500. It was likely a farmer's home made with wood and a mix of mud and sticks called "wattle and daub." Whitehall is a special building, listed as Grade II* by Historic England. This means it's very important and protected.
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Exploring Whitehall: A Historic House Museum
Whitehall is a fascinating place to visit. It shows how people lived in different times. The house has details from the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. These were periods in British history with unique styles.
Rooms and Displays at Whitehall
You can explore several rooms inside Whitehall.
- The hall is a main entry area.
- The parlour might have been the original kitchen.
- There is also a lower kitchen.
- The porch room is another interesting space.
- The Roy Smith art gallery was once a washroom.
- The Harriet Killick dressing room shows old styles.
- A bedroom gives a peek into daily life.
One room has a special display about Nonsuch Palace. This grand palace was built by King Henry VIII nearby. It was taken down in the 1680s. In the garden, you can see a medieval well. This well served an even older building on the same spot.
Whitehall's Past: A Glimpse into History
Whitehall has a rich history with many stories. It is said that Queen Elizabeth I once used the house. She supposedly held a quick meeting there. This happened while she was on a hunting trip from Nonsuch Palace. She needed to sign some important papers.
Cheam School's Beginnings
The oldest private school in England started at Whitehall. Cheam School was founded right here in Cheam in 1645. Imagine going to school in such an old and historic building!
Who Owned Whitehall?
Many different people have lived in Whitehall over the centuries. Each owner added to its story.
Early Owners and Notable Residents
It is believed that James Boevey lived here. He was a merchant, lawyer, and philosopher. He lived in Whitehall from about 1670 until he passed away in 1696.
The Killick Family Era
The Killick family owned Whitehall for a very long time. They lived there from 1741 to 1963. Captain James Killick was born in this house in 1816. He became famous as the captain of a tea clipper ship called Challenger. He also started his own company, Killick Martin & Company.
Whitehall as a Public Museum
The local council bought the house in 1963. After careful repairs, it opened to the public in 1978. Today, the London Borough of Sutton helps run the museum. The Friends of Whitehall, a group of volunteers, also help a lot.
The museum closed in 2016 for a big update. It had a £1.6 million renovation. It reopened in June 2018 with better facilities for visitors. Jill Whitehead, a council leader, said the project was very important. She noted that Whitehall is one of the borough's oldest and most historic buildings.
