Amidst the elegant houses of Holland Park, Aubrey House stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. Aubrey House isn’t just a grand building. It’s a place where the echoes of radical thinkers, political exiles, and even royalty linger. The house, initially known as Notting Hill House, was renamed Aubrey House in the 1860s, after Aubrey de Vere, who held the manor of Kensington during the Domesday Book era. Though the core structure dates back to 1698, Sir Edward Lloyd significantly remodeled it between 1745 and 1754. Aubrey House became a hub of radical thought in the 1860s, thanks to its residents, Peter and Clementia Taylor. Clementia, a staunch advocate for women’s rights, is even credited with founding the Ladies’ London Emancipation Society at Aubrey House in 1863. Their gatherings were legendary, attracting figures like Giuseppe Mazzini and even the Italian revolutionary, Giuseppe Garibaldi, who stayed there in 1864. Imagine the conversations within these walls. The house’s history continued to unfold through the centuries. It served as a hospital during World War I, offering refuge to Belgian soldiers. Later, it became the backdrop for Prince Andrew’s bachelor party, a gathering that included Prince Charles and Elton John. Aubrey House has seen it all, from political activism to royal revelry. Today, Aubrey House stands as a testament to the vibrant tapestry of London’s past, each brick holding a story waiting to be rediscovered.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to