Hylands House
The history of Hylands House in Chelmsford, Essex, UK, is quite varied. It was the site of many lavish weddings and receptions, and, during the reign of King George V, the house played host to 700 guests. Hylands House served as a hospital and POW camp during World War I, and was eventually turned over to the SAS in 1944. One incident left Mrs. Hanbury less than amused when an SAS officer drove a jeep up the grand staircase. Luckily, the restoration work did not end there, though.
Hylands House and its 574 acres of parkland are a must-see when in the Chelmsford area. Listed Grade II, Hylands House is the only country house in Essex that dates back to the 18th century. The house is surrounded by five hundred and seventy acres of parkland and heritage landscape. The park has many recreational activities, including ancient woodland, lakes, ponds, and gardens.
Originally a private residence, Hylands House was converted into a military hospital during the First World War. In the early twentieth century, more than 1,500 soldiers and civilians were treated at the Hylands House. Many underwent serious operations while under the care of medical staff. After the war, the building was closed. Today, it serves as a public park and heritage site. Its past is worth exploring. Discover More about Chelmsford here
The Hylands House, located in the town of Chelmsford, is a large mansion with a rich history. The stunning Neoclassical-style architecture features a grand Ionic portico with columns rising through two storeys. The two-storey, five-bay flanking wings are adorned with ionic colonnades. John Comyns completed the main structure of Hylands House in c. 1728. Cornelius Kortright later added the portico and covered the house in white stucco in the early C19. The architect who detailed this work was possibly J. A Repton.
The Hylands House is a Grade II listed Georgian villa set in a huge park. The Chelmsford City Council has lovingly restored the house, with Heritage Lottery Fund funding. The house has exhibited oil paintings by its previous owners and is open to the public on one Sunday a month. You can also check out various events and shows hosted by Hylands House. They include theatre performances, concerts, lectures, and exhibitions.
The park is extensive and includes a small informal pool. To the north of the house, the lake has two small islands, which have been obscured by C20 tree growth. The south-east corner of the park features an ancient woodland. Despite being surrounded by tree growth, the park is largely open. The house is surrounded by plantations. The park is also home to a number of large woodland blocks.