Hidden amidst the gentle hills of Hertfordshire lies Bushey, a town with a captivating history. Bushey is more than just a suburb; it’s a place where whispers of highwaymen and echoes of artistic brilliance intertwine. Bushey, first mentioned in the Domesday Book as “Bissei,” has witnessed centuries of change. Imagine Bushey during the Napoleonic Wars, when the vast expanse of Bushey Heath transformed into farmland to combat food shortages. The very ground we stand on may have once yielded crops to feed a nation at war.
Bushey’s intriguing name, potentially derived from “Byssa’s Isle,” hints at a past surrounded by marshes and streams. Or perhaps, as a nod to its wooded location near the Chiltern Hills, the name evolved from the Old English and French words meaning “bosky” or “wooded.” Bushey’s history is steeped in intriguing tales. The dense woods of Bushey Heath, shrouded in darkness before the advent of streetlights, provided the perfect cover for highwaymen. Legend whispers that even the infamous Dick Turpin may have lurked among the trees, preying on coaches carrying riches from London. Travelers would gather at the Boot Inn in Edgware or The Three Crowns in Bushey Heath before braving the perilous journey through the heath.
The 19th and 20th centuries brought dramatic transformation to Bushey. The arrival of the railway sparked an industrial boom, leading to a population explosion. Bushey’s first council houses emerged in the 1920s, providing homes for the growing workforce. However, the Metropolitan Green Belt, established after World War II, limited further expansion, preserving much of Bushey’s unique character. This same legislation also halted the planned extension of the London Underground’s Northern Line to Bushey Heath. Interestingly, the partially completed depot, initially intended for the railway, was later used for bomber manufacturing during the war.
Bushey’s artistic legacy is equally captivating. The town was once a world center for watercolor painting, thanks to Sir Hubert von Herkomer. This Bavarian immigrant, arriving in Bushey in 1874, founded Herkomer’s Art School in 1883. The school attracted hundreds of students, many of whom remained in Bushey, establishing their own studios. Herkomer built Lululaund, a grand “Bavarian castle,” which sadly met its demise in 1939. Only the rose garden and arched portal remain as silent witnesses to its former glory.
Bushey’s connection to the arts continues to this day. The town has served as a backdrop for numerous films and television shows. The Royal Masonic School for Boys, for example, has featured in productions such as “Harry Potter” and “Little Britain.” Even today, echoes of Herkomer’s artistic spirit resonate within Bushey’s streets, reminding us of the rich tapestry of history that has shaped this unique town.