Amidst Headington’s charming landscape stands Bury Knowle House. It is a testament to Oxford’s evolving story. This house has shifted identities and purposes over the years. Its story is a window into the lives of Oxford’s residents. It reflects their aspirations and community spirit.
Originally, Bury Knowle House had no name. It was simply Joseph Lock’s mansion. Joseph Lock was a prominent Oxford goldsmith and banker. He later became Mayor of Oxford in 1813 and again in 1829. Lock built this house around 1800 as a country retreat. The late eighteenth century saw the construction of the London turnpike road. This made Headington more accessible. Oxford’s gentry were drawn to the area. They sought to build country escapes.
In 1802, Lock built a stone wall around Bury Knowle House and its parkland. It blocked a footpath used as a coffin route. This route connected Headington Quarry to St Andrew’s Church. This act made Lock very unpopular. The people of Quarry felt slighted by this change. Despite this initial conflict, Lock expanded his estate. In 1809, he leased the coach-house and stables of the Hermitage.
The Enclosure Award of 1804 further shaped the estate. Lock received about 17 acres of land in central Headington. This land now comprises much of the present park. For a time, Joseph Lock let out Bury Knowle House. An advertisement appeared in Jackson’s Oxford Journal in 1815. It detailed the premises available for rent.
The diaries of Mary Latimer reveal that the Lock family lived at Bury Knowle House in the 1820s. However, in his later years, Joseph Lock resided in his town house. The 1841 census shows his son Edward Lock living here with his family.
Upon Sir Joseph Lock’s death in 1844, his property was divided. His daughter Maria Ballachey inherited the Headington property. This included what was to become Bury Knowle House. Maria often opened the park for community events. In 1845, she hosted a feast for Headington parishioners over 60. The Vice-Chancellor of the University helped to serve the food. Many notable figures were entertained at Bury Knowle House.
After Maria Ballachey’s death in 1884, Bury Knowle House was sold. Edward Brocklehurst Fielden purchased the house in 1885. He named it Brocklehurst. Fielden added a large rear wing and conservatory.
In about 1895, Colonel Howard Kingscote moved into Bury Knowle House. He lived here with his wife Georgiana Kingscote. Georgiana was a novelist. They renamed the house The Beeches.
Major Charles Miskin Laing bought the house in 1899. He renamed it Bury Knowle. In 1900, electric lights were installed at Bury Knowle. The Laing family lived here until about 1923. His wife Etheldreda Janet Laing had her own darkroom at Bury Knowle House. She took photographs of her two young daughters in its garden.
Henry Mark Beaufoy was the last private owner of Bury Knowle House. In 1930, he sold the house and its park to the City Council.
Oxford City Council has owned Bury Knowle House and its park since June 1930. The park was opened to the public in 1932. Bury Knowle Library opened in 1934. Today, Oxfordshire County Council leases the ground floor. It continues to use it as a public library.
Bury Knowle House is a place that has evolved over the years. It has served as a family home. It has also served as a community hub. Its walls hold stories of Oxford’s past. They provide a space for its present.