Hertsmere Borough Council is taking part in Heritage Open Days for the first time this September, in a celebration of the borough’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Two events are taking place in Hertsmere, with special guided tours of Bushey Rose Garden and an opportunity to explore the historic buildings of Aldenham School.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival of history and culture, with thousands of volunteers and organisations opening up historic places, sharing stories and bringing local heritage to life every September.
Hertsmere is home to a wealth of listed buildings and historic sites, many of which are in private ownership and normally remain behind closed doors. Through Heritage Open Days, the council hopes to showcase more of this heritage and give people new opportunities to discover the buildings, places and stories on their doorstep.
On Saturday 19 September, Hertsmere Borough Council is joining forces with the Friends of Bushey Rose Garden to offer special guided tours of the historic garden.
The garden has strong links to Bushey’s artistic heritage and was created through the collaboration of renowned artist Sir Hubert von Herkomer and landscape architect Thomas Mawson. Today it contains more than 40 varieties of roses and over 4,000 plants.
Led by knowledgeable volunteers, the hourly tours between 10am and 3pm will reveal more about the garden’s art, design, planting and local history.
On the same day, Aldenham School is also opening its doors, with guided tours at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm – giving visitors the opportunity to make a day of it and experience both of Hertsmere’s Heritage Open Days events.
Founded at the end of the 16th century, Aldenham School offers more than four centuries of history. Its historic campus includes a collection of listed buildings alongside later additions that chart the school’s development through the centuries.
Councillor Nik Oakley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Transport, said:
“We have spent so much time looking forward to the future that we have neglected the magnificent heritage that this borough has to offer.
“This is the start of our contribution to Heritage Open Days, with other places already eager to join us next year in a celebration of our listed buildings.
“Hertsmere has a remarkable built heritage, but much of it is in private occupation and usually behind closed doors. Heritage Open Days gives us an opportunity to fling open those doors, tell the stories behind these places and give people a chance to experience parts of their borough they might otherwise never see.”
Both events are free but advance booking is recommended for the Bushey Rose Garden guided tours.
For more information about the events and how to take part, visit the Heritage Open Days website:
Bushey Rose Garden:
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/guided-tours-at-bushey-rose-garden.html
Aldenham School:
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/aldenham-school.html