ENGLISH HERITAGE Properties in London
	london-footprints.co.uk

English Heritage is the independent, but government-sponsored body responsible for the historic environment of England. It aims to protect and present architectural and archaeological heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of all. It cares for 400 sites and monuments, most open to the public and the majority free of charge. English Heritage is also involved in the listing of buildings and the designation of conservation areas whilst maintaining the 'Buildings at Risk' register. It aims to help preserve the best of the capital's historic fabric in keeping with the demands of modern life. It maintains the National Monuments Record [more info] and is now responsible for Blue Plaques [more info]. It has responsibilty for 47 statues and monuments in Central London. A free leaflet on the royal statues & monuments is available (tel 0870 333 1181). It produces a number of publications and runs an education programme as well as a comprehensive events programme (some exclusive to members). Membership is open to all and includes a number of benefits including a handbook, quarterly magazines, free admission to all properties plus discounts at other attractions. Also children accompanying members can usually visit free.
The London sites are listed below but for full details visit the website.

APSLEY HOUSE Hyde Park Corner W1J 7NT. Tel 020 7499 5676
The home of the first Duke of Wellington and his descendants with magnificent collections and momentoes. Audio guide and family activity pack. Gallery tours and Study room. Open Wed - Sun 11-5 (4pm winter). Closed Mon & Christmas/New Year but open other Bank Hols. Knightsbridge walk

	CHAPTER HOUSE & PYX CHAMBER Westminster Abbey. Tel 020 7654 4834 The octagonal Chapter House of 1250 has medieval wall paintings & floor tiles and the Pyx Chamber houses Abbey treasures. Open daily but closed Christmas/New Year and on some special occasions.
	CHISWICK HOUSE Burlington Lane W4 2RP. Tel 020 8995 0508 A fine Palladian villa designed by Lord Burlington. Exhibition, video and audio guide. Open 10-5 Sunday - Wednesday and Bank Hols May - October (daily in April). November - March for groups only. The Italianate gardens are open all year round (free admission). Chiswick walk

ELTHAM PALACE Court Road SE9 5QE. Tel 020 8294 2548 A spectacular 1930s house, a show-piece of period design, joined to the remains of a medieval royal palace. Set in parkland with views over London and a plantsman's garden. Audio guide and family learning resource. Shop & cafe. Open Sun - Wed 11-4 (winter) 10-5 (summer). Closed throughout January. Eltham & Mottingham walk

KENWOOD HOUSE Hampstead Lane NW3 7JR. Tel 020 8348 1286
A neo-classical house remodelled by Robert Adam and containing an important collection of paintings including the Suffolk collection previously on display at Ranger's House. Events programme including outdoor concerts. Guided tours available for small charge. Shop and Brew House cafe. Open daily 11:30-4 but closed Christmas/New Year. Free admission. Information on the Kenwood Estate is available in Mansion Cottage.

MARBLE HILL HOUSE Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2NL. Tel 020 8892 5115 A Thames-side Palladian villa built for Henrietta Howard, mistress of George II. Open Easter - October Sats 10-2, Suns & Bank Hols 10-5. Other periods for groups only. Park open daily (free admission). Coach House Cafe open all year. Twickenham walk

RANGER'S HOUSE Chesterfield Walk SE10 8QX. Tel 020 8853 0035.
An elegant red brick villa on the edge of Greenwich Park. This houses items from the Wernher collection of nearly 700 works of art plus displays about the collector. Open Easter - September Sun 11-5, Mon - Wed by guided tours only at 11:30 & 2:30 (booking advised). Other periods for groups only. Meridian and West Greenwich walks

WELLINGTON ARCH Hyde Park Corner W1J 7JZ. Tel 020 7930 2726 Designed by Decimus Burton in 1825 as an outer entrance to Buckingham Palace - part of George IVs remodelling scheme. Three floors of exhibits and viewing platforms. Open Wednesday - Sunday and Bank Holidays 10 - 4 (5pm in summer) but closed Christmas/New Year. Knightsbridge walk

© london-footprints.co.uk 2010

[articles list] [walks list] [blue plaques]