History of Hampton Court House

Hampton Court House is an elaborate 18th century masterpiece built in 1757 by the famous English architect, Thomas Wright of Durham for George Montague Dank, the 2nd Earl of Halifax. Architect Thomas Wright of Durham.

Halifax acquired the land, part of Hampton Court Green only in 1761 when he applied to himself for admission as a tenant of the Manor.

In 1767, 3 acres were added and the gravel pit was converted into to a heart-shaped lake and the grotto and ice house were created.

In 1771, Lord Halifax died and the house was left in trust to Mrs Donaldson, his mistress and on her death to their daughter Anna.

In 1772, the Trustees became tenants and in 1773 the house was mortgaged to Lord Perham. In 1780 the house was restored to the Trustees.

For the next Century, the House was occupied by various owners and tenants.

In 1871 the House was enfranchised and sold to Marmaduke Blake Sampson, city correspondent of the Times and Argentine Consul in London.  He built the Picture Gallery, later a ballroom, subsequently concert room and finally theatre used by Teddington Theatre Club.

In 1883, the House was bought by Thomas Twining III for his daughter, Augusta and her husband Auguste de Wette, a Swiss banker.  Mr de Wette restored the house.

In 1887, the House was conveyed to Mrs de Wette and in 1895 alterations were carried out to the interior.

In 1903, 1905 and 1910, the House was put up for auction but remained unsold.

In 1912, it was announced that the House was to be demolished.
Mary Clarke bought the house but never lived in it.

In 1915, the House was again put up for sale and was bought by Hubert Gore-Lloyd, who made the grand hall and gallery.

In 1923, the House was used by Cardinal Operatic and Dramatic Society.

In 1945, Edmond Gore Lloyd sold the House to Middlesex County Council. WVS used the theatre for food and clothing storage during the war.  The House became a home for Elderly Ladies and with the formation of the Outer London Boroughs continued under Richmond upon Thames.  Richmond tried to sell, without success and it was let to Save the Children Fund as a home for refugee Vietnamese Boat Children.

In 1986, the Grotto was restored by Diana Reynell, having been upgraded to Grade 2*, the cost met by Richmond Council and English Heritage. The house now belongs to an off-shore company, Fredic, and since September 2001 an independent school for children has been established.

In the surrounding area there are several beautiful old townhouses and large cottages once frequented by many famous English historical figures. One of this nation’s most important architects, Sir Christopher Wren, who contributed so much to the surrounding palatial splendour, lived in the Paper House, which has intricate vines and creepers covering its facade.