Read and Chestnuts
![Read and Chestnuts](https://www.shadyoldlady.com/uploadi/photos/historical/2953.jpg)
Historic mansion in Walthamstow once home to JFH Read.
Location: 398 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, E17 9AA
Description: The Chestnuts, a rare survivor of what were once many Georgian mansions, was once home to composer and philanthropist JFH Read. Read was the founder in 1867 of the Walthamstow Musical Society, a local cricket pavillion, and he masterminded the build of the Victoria Hall, also in Hoe Street, in 1887.
It was sold to the Tottenham and Forest Gate Railway Company with demolition intended but it narrowly escaped as the final route for the railway line and station ran 500 yards to the west. They used some of the grounds but couldnt sell the house, so it became a mental hospital for women the Chestnuts Branch of the Brentwood Lunatic Asylum.
The grand grade II listed house was built in the 1747 for Thomas and Catherine Allen (see the dates on the rainwater collectors) and since being a private home has been an asylum, council offices, and adult training centre. Since the council moved their Adult Learning Services out of Chestnuts House it has been closed to the public.
The house, once with grand gardens and stables to the rear for carriages and horses, has given almost all its exterior space to the new primary school next door.
![Historical Theme](http://www.shadyoldlady.com/images/icons/historical.gif)
![Music Theme](http://www.shadyoldlady.com/images/icons/music.gif)
Historic mansion in Walthamstow once home to JFH Read. |
Ranking This Month: 2066/3067
Pages Hit This Month: 40
Your Comments:
Other places nearby:
Browns, Telephone and Kipling», 7.1km
The Butler's Retreat», 4.1km
The PM's Street», 6.9km
St John's Gate», 5.3km
Brunel's Tree...Alive & Kicking», 5.4km
Alleyn's School», 8.9km
Tigers in Town», 7.1km
Barmy Balmes House», 3.8km
Not a nice way to go», 5.8km
Friday Hill House», 3.3km
Location Pinpointed:
Open Street Maps», Google Maps»