Boston Manor House
Explore a beautifully restored 17th-century Jacobean manor set in serene parkland, showcasing rich history, rare interiors, and vibrant community heritage.
Boston Manor House is a beautifully restored Jacobean manor house built in 1623, located in Brentford, West London. Set within 20 acres of parkland, it showcases a rich blend of 17th, 18th, and 19th-century interiors with original ornate plasterwork, rare historic wallpaper, and elegant gardens. Once home to Lady Mary Reade and the Clitherow family, it now serves as a public museum and community heritage venue with exhibition galleries and a modern café.
A brief summary to Boston Manor House
- Boston Manor Rd, Brentford, TW8 9JX, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-5 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
- Friday 12 pm-5 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit between Tuesday and Sunday, from 12 noon to 5 pm, to enjoy free entry and explore the historic interiors and exhibitions.
- Take time to admire the rare 18th-century classical ruins wallpaper, a unique feature conserved with great care.
- Combine your visit with a stroll around Boston Manor Park to experience the tranquil gardens and lake.
- Check the events calendar for community exhibitions and seasonal activities held at the manor.
- Enjoy refreshments at the on-site modern café, which complements the historic setting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Osterley station on the Piccadilly Line, then catch bus route H91 towards Brentford. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Buses run every 15-20 minutes. The stop is a short walk from Boston Manor House.
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Train and Bus
From London Paddington, take a South Western Railway train to Brentford station (about 20 minutes), then walk 20 minutes or take a local bus to Boston Manor House. Train services run frequently during the day with fares starting around £5.
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Car
Driving to Boston Manor House takes roughly 25-35 minutes from central London, depending on traffic. Limited street parking is available nearby, but visitors are encouraged to use public transport due to restricted parking and local congestion charges.
Boston Manor House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Boston Manor House
Historic Foundations and Ownership
Boston Manor House stands on the site of a medieval manor first recorded in the late 13th century. Originally held by the Benedictine Priory of St Helen's Bishopsgate, the estate passed through royal hands during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century. The current Jacobean manor was built in 1622-23 by Lady Mary Reade, a remarkable widow who commissioned the house shortly after her husband's death. The property later came into the possession of the Clitherow family in 1670, who expanded and altered the house over the next two centuries, maintaining it as a quintessential gentleman’s estate until the early 20th century.Architectural Character and Interiors
The manor is a Grade I listed red brick building exemplifying early English Renaissance style architecture. Its three-storey structure features stone dressings, a hipped roof, and an ‘E’-shaped plan. Inside, visitors can admire splendid original Jacobean elements such as carved wood panelling, ornate plasterwork ceilings, and a grand staircase. Notably, the house contains a rare and extensive 18th-century classical ruins wallpaper, inspired by the Grand Tour, depicting neo-classical motifs and figures, which has been carefully conserved. The interiors reflect a layered history, with rooms restored to their strongest surviving decorative period from the 17th to 19th centuries.Transformation and Restoration Efforts
After the Clitherow family sold the house and 20 acres of land to Brentford Urban District Council in 1924, the manor and grounds opened as a public park. The house underwent several restoration phases, including major works in the 1960s and a comprehensive five-year restoration completed in 2023. This recent project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other bodies, rescued the manor from the Heritage at Risk Register and transformed it into a vibrant community heritage venue. The restoration preserved the historical fabric while updating the house for public engagement, including exhibition galleries and meeting spaces.The Surrounding Parkland and Gardens
Boston Manor House is set within 20 acres of picturesque parkland featuring a lake, ancient cedar trees, and formal gardens styled after 17th-century designs. The park has received multiple Green Flag Awards recognizing its quality and maintenance. Visitors can enjoy tranquil walks, scenic views, and peaceful spots to relax amidst the historic landscape. The gardens complement the manor’s architectural grandeur and provide a serene natural environment in an urban setting.Community Role and Visitor Experience
Today, Boston Manor House serves as a cultural hub for Brentford and the wider London Borough of Hounslow. It offers free public access Tuesday through Sunday, with exhibitions that explore local history, work, and culture. The venue hosts events, educational programs, and provides spaces for community meetings and private functions. A modern café enhances the visitor experience, blending historic charm with contemporary amenities. The house’s layered history and restored interiors invite exploration and reflection on the lives of its former inhabitants and the evolution of the estate.Legacy and Significance
Boston Manor House is a rare surviving example of Jacobean architecture in London, embodying centuries of social and architectural history. Its preservation and adaptive reuse demonstrate a successful balance between heritage conservation and community engagement. The manor’s story—from medieval origins through aristocratic ownership to public stewardship—offers insight into England’s evolving landscape and society. It remains a treasured landmark and a testament to the resilience and richness of local heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
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- Colorful Aesthetics
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly