Burgh House, a mansion-turned-museum, has had various occupants since its construction in 1704. Threats of commercial use led to its transformation into a museum in 1979. The museum showcases the history of the villa and its territory, including prehistoric times, and has an oral history database.
Burgh House is a mansion-turned-museum that once had a wide variety of occupants. From when it was built in 1704 until it became an official museum in 1979, eccentric characters well-known in the community came and went from the house, each making small changes to the mansion. It was briefly occupied by the Royal East Middlesex Militia and also once housed a community centre. Local community interest in the building helped turn Burgh House into a museum when threats were made of its commercial use. Since 2011 it has been an active family-oriented museum that uses modern technology to preserve the history of the villa and its territory.
The first owners of Burgh House were Henry and Hannah Sewell who lived there until 1920 at which point Dr William Gibbons bought the house and made early additions including a wrought iron gate with his initials which still exists from from 2011. From 1740 onwards large numbers of people came and went from the house, many of whom were known for their slight eccentricities. The Royal East Middlesex Militia took over the house in 1858 and it was not until 1884 that it became a residential house again. Then, from 1937 to 1946, the house lay unoccupied until Hampstead Borough Council bought the house and reopened it as a community center with a citizens advice office located in the basement.
The center closed in 1977 under the ownership of Camden Council when rot was found in the wood. Soon, the council threatened that Burgh House might open for commercial use and as a result, the local community set up a fund to save the mansion. They managed to raise £50,000, which was the equivalent of $87,275 US Dollars (USD) in 1977, and the house reopened as a museum. This museum required further renovations in the 21st century and reopened in 2006.
Displays of what might have looked like Burgh House centuries ago cover the first floor of the museum. The rest of the museum includes artifacts that focus on the art and life surrounding Hampstead. Burgh House claims to have traced the history of the area back to prehistoric times. Most of the museum is centered on the social history, notable residents, and fine art areas. Unlike many British museums, Burgh House also has an oral history database, which contains recorded interviews of former museum employees and local residents who have experienced changes in the community firsthand.
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