Open House Festival

Neighbourhoods

Back to neighbourhoods

Brentford

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 Canal Toll House and Gauging Lock), Brentford has lots to offer the Open House visitor.

It’s home to the Butts Conservation Area, with beautifully proportioned wide streets of 18th century houses including St. Mary’s Convent. 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.
Next, 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 inside.
Hear about the local history from passionate locals (Brentford Then and Now/Brentford through the Ages) and visit the 1785 Brentford & Isleworth Quaker Meeting House on Quaker’s Lane. From there you can head back to the river Thames and Isleworth, with its own group of Open House venues and unique stories. From Boston Manor House to Quaker’s Lane is a 25-minute walk.

Guided tour

Boston Manor House

historical house

Boston Manor House is a Jacobean House built for Lady Mary Reade in 1623 and later owned by the Clitherow family from the 1670s until the 1920s. The House is now open to the public with free entry six days a week. Its beautifully restored historic interiors, including breath-taking ornate plasterwork, are joined by two community exhibition galleries, meeting rooms and an attractive modern café.