Read and Chestnuts
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.
Music
|
Historic mansion in Walthamstow once home to JFH Read. |
Ranking This Month: 2942/3085
Pages Hit This Month: 68
Your Comments:
Other places nearby:
Charles II 's Special Road», 8.4km
The River Lea Coppermill», 1.4km
Milestone Hotel», 8.9km
Peter Pan - Still a Legend», 5.8km
Sylvia's Suffragette Shop», 3.3km
Alleyn's School», 8.9km
The Last of the Great Exhibition», 8.5km
Seven Dials (nee Six)», 6.4km
The Old Dispensary», 2.6km
Playwright Hangout», 6.7km
Location Pinpointed:
Open Street Maps», Google Maps»
pinpointing the forgotten and lost history of London
Shady Old Lady »» Car Reviews »» Classic Telly »» Peckish © 2026 The Shady Old Lady, Privacy Policy
