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Brent House Demolition, 1909

So, exactly where was Brent House, when was it built, why was it demolished and how was it used?

With assistance from Janet McNamara, Lorne Gifford's website and some Googling it was possible to piece together a brief history:

Brent House was built around 1694 on a site which today is on the corner of Upper Butts and Brent Road. It had a large garden which extended to the south east towards The Butts. Brent Road was not built at this time.

Janet provided a map drawn in the 18th/early 19th century showing adjoining properties, Brent House and Brent Cottage, with Brent Cottage nearer to the River Brent, Brent House fronting Upper Butts.

Mason's Court Guide & Directory for Brentford, Kew ..., 1853:
Mrs Harriet C Ackland, Brent House, Butts
Mr Brereton, Brent House, Butts

The 1851 census includes Harriet C Ackland, Butts. She was 66, a widow and an annuitant, born London; female visitor Lucy Hooper and two live-in servants completed the household.

Post Office Directory of Essex, Herts, Kent ... , 1855 also includes Mrs Ackland, Brent House, Butts

In 1873 adverts were placed in the London Standard 'A limited number of Young LADIES RECEIVED, to whose care and instruction the Principals devotion...' suggesting Brent House was used as a school or college.

In 1888 the Essex Newsman reported 'William Randolph Lacey, 56, of Brent House. Brentford, was charged with unlawfully obtaining credit from John Essex ... without informing him that he was an undischarged bankrupt.'

The 1891 census shows William R Lacey living at Brent Cottage, he was a civil engineer. Next door at Brent House lived Nicholas Luscombe, 'Steward of Club' and his wife Sarah A, 'Stewardess'.

Kelly's Directory of Essex, Herts & Middx, 1894: Brentford Conservative Club (William Lewis, secretary), Brent House, The Butts. The 1894 OS map shows Brent Cottage and an adjoining 'Club' on the Upper Butts and Brent Road corner.

In 1896 the Morning Post reported a fire 'at Brent House, Brentford, one of the well-known residences of Nell Gwynne. The flames were discovered in the billiard-room, and an early alarm being given, the Brentford, Kew, and Richmond Fire Brigades were soon on the spot.' This story appeared in the Leicester Chronicle a coule of days later 'Brent House, Brentford, one of the well-known residences of Nell Gwyn. The house is occupied as a Conservative Club, is situate on the banks of the Brent, and is surrounded by some fine old chestnut trees. '

Janet also remembered hearing of a Nell Gwyn connection.

'Brentford As It Was' includes a photo of Brent House before its demolition.

I think the 1909 photo was taken from Brent Road, Upper Butts not visible but are off to the right.

Published December 2011