How about stepping back in time to discover Kingswood House? This Victorian mansion in West Dulwich holds secrets and stories within its walls. Kingswood House, once known as King’s Coppice, stands proudly at the southern tip of the London Borough of Southwark. Today, it thrives as Kingswood Arts, a vibrant arts and community center.
In 1811, William Vizard, a solicitor to Caroline of Brunswick, secured a 63-year lease for Kingswood Lodge. Vizard later defended Queen Caroline during her tumultuous divorce from George IV. His legal prowess helped quash a Parliamentary bill aimed at dissolving their marriage.
Fast forward to 1891. John Lawson Johnston, the inventor of Bovril, acquired Kingswood House. Johnston extended the house and remodeled its facade, adding distinctive battlements. Locals affectionately nicknamed him Mr. Bovril and Kingswood became known as Bovril Castle. Some garden features from this era are believed to have been installed by James Pulham and Son.
During World War I, Kingswood House served as a convalescent home for wounded Canadian soldiers. Lady Vestey, a social worker connected to the soldiers, took notice. In 1919, her husband Sir William Vestey obtained an 80-year lease. When he was raised to the peerage in 1921, he became Baron Vestey of Kingswood. Kingswood House remained the Vestey family’s main residence until William’s death.
In 1954, the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell decided to transform Kingswood House into a library and community center. This was intended for the benefit of Kingswood Estate residents. By 1956, the council acquired the site through compulsory purchase. Lord Vestey’s estate had evolved into a large residential area. Houses, flats, and shops occupied the grounds. In 1965, Kingswood House became the property of the London Borough of Southwark. The house underwent significant refurbishment in the 1980s and 1990s. It then served as a venue for conferences, meetings, and even civil marriages.
Even today, some Pulham features remain in the grounds in front of Kingswood House. In 2005, local residents created a tapestry depicting the house’s history. A blue plaque was erected in 2011. It commemorates John Lawson Johnston and his time at Kingswood House.
From 1956 to 2020, Kingswood House served as a public library. Actor Peter Ustinov hosted the opening ceremony. The mayor of Camberwell, Alderman John Evans, also attended. In 1993, the library faced potential closure. A community campaign launched to save it, gathering 720 signatures. Despite funding cuts, the library remained open until 2020. A new Kingswood Library opened opposite the house in 2023.
In 2022, Kingswood Arts took over the venue. The entire building has been restored. It reopened as a performing arts center with a cafe and regular events.
Before Kingswood House existed, the area was known as King’s Coppice. It was part of Dulwich Manor. In 1811, William Vizard built Kingswood Lodge. In 1891, John Lawson Johnston commissioned significant alterations. Architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester added a Great Hall and a Palm Court. The house gained the nickname Bovril Castle. Following Johnston’s death, Russian Prince Serge de Bolotoff lived there. In 1919, Sir William Vestey bought Kingswood House. After World War II, the London County Council redeveloped the estate for housing.
Now you know a bit more about the fascinating history of Kingswood House. It’s a place where community spirit and artistic expression thrive. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of history and culture that defines Kingswood House.