The Bury

Nestled in the charming town of Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, The Bury stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of English history. This Grade II* listed building, constructed in the late 18th century, has been home to numerous notable residents and has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, all while maintaining its dignified presence. Today, The Bury is owned by the Dacorum Borough Council, who continue to preserve its historical significance.

The Ginger Family Legacy

The story of The Bury begins with William Ginger, an attorney born in 1742. Around 1790, William erected the current building, demolishing the old manor house that stood on the site. His vision for The Bury was one of refined elegance, characterized by its simple yet stately architecture. Despite his untimely death in 1793 at the age of 51, William's legacy lived on through his younger brother, Richard Ginger.

Richard, who inherited The Bury, was described in a 1796 article in the Monthly Mirror as having an estate enriched with a canal, waterfall, streams, and rural scenes of diversified and elegant simplicity. However, Richard's fortunes took a turn for the worse, and he was declared bankrupt shortly after inheriting the property. In 1797, The Bury, along with other holdings, was put up for sale, described as a genteel family house with extensive pleasure grounds, ornamental bridges, and rich meadowland.

The Grover Family Era

The Bury saw its next chapter under the ownership of Harry Grover, who moved in around 1808. Born in 1761, Harry was a solicitor and banker, married to Sibylla Ehret, the granddaughter of the renowned botanical artist Georg Dionysius Ehret. The couple had ten children, one of whom, Henry Montague Grover, became a notable writer.

Harry Grover's tenure at The Bury lasted until his death in 1835. His wife, Sibylla, continued to reside there until her passing in 1853. The house was then sold to Anthony Thatcher, a glass-bottle manufacturer, marking the end of the Grover family's residence at The Bury.

Transitions and Tenants

From the mid-19th century onwards, The Bury saw a succession of tenants, each adding their own chapter to its storied history. Anthony Thatcher, who purchased the property in 1854, lived there until his death in 1869. The house was then rented by various individuals, including Charles Ridgway, a draper and landowner, and James Brister, who eventually moved to the Cape of Good Hope.

In the late 19th century, Henry Wyman, a master brewer, and his wife Marion Steer took up residence. They lived at The Bury until around 1886, after which Rear Admiral Hugh Maximilian Elliot rented the property for a brief period. The house continued to change hands, with tenants such as Robert James Pratt, a school teacher, and Lieutenant Colonel William Henry Dawes Jones, who lived there with his family in 1899.

The 20th Century and Beyond

In 1908, John Hughes Drake and his wife Muriel moved into The Bury. John, who served as a major in World War I, was awarded the Military Cross and later became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) upon his return from the war. The couple's residence at The Bury added another layer of historical significance to the property.

Throughout the 20th century, The Bury continued to be home to various notable residents, including Judge Edward Watkins Cave and Geoffrey Thomas Unwin, a well-known sportsman. In 1954, the building was purchased by the Hemel Hempstead Rural District Council and converted for use as their offices. From 1969, it also served as a registry office, a function that continued until 2016 when the council vacated the building.

Future Prospects

Today, The Bury stands at a crossroads, with proposals to convert it into a museum and art gallery. The Dacorum Heritage Trust, a local history advocacy group, envisions The Bury as a space to display archaeological and historical artefacts from the surrounding area. This project, currently awaiting funding and planning permission, promises to breathe new life into this historic building, ensuring that its stories continue to be told for generations to come.

In conclusion, The Bury in Hemel Hempstead is more than just a building; it is a living chronicle of English history. From its construction in the late 18th century to its potential future as a museum, The Bury embodies the resilience and enduring charm of Hemel Hempstead, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore the rich heritage of this remarkable estate.