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Friends Explore Schopwick House

Our most recent Friends event took place at 96 Shenley Road on Tuesday when Ann Shuker gave a talk on the origins and history of her house, Schopwick Place. From its earliest incarnation upto the present day Ann explored its various stages of development. She featured the many people who had lived there over the centuries from the first house which was demolished and replaced by the present building.

Perhaps the most famous residents were the Everett family. Sir Percy was one of the founders of the Scout movement and Baden-Powell was a frequent visitor. Percy's daughter, Winn, was a well-known Elstree GP and considered a pioneer in medecine. The book about her life is on sale in the Museum.

Ann then explained the work that was carried out on the house after they bought it in 1999 and how it took 5 years to bring it up to date and modernised. She brought in a collection of items that had been found in the house and gardens including the complete clay pipe bowl discovered in the cavity walls.

Thanks to Ann for a facinating look into an important local landmark.