Strawberry Hill
This was a cottage which was bought in 1747 by Horace Walpole (1717-1797). Over 20 years he developed it with gables, cloisters, battlements towers and turrets in the architecture of all ages. During and after this development of his 'Castle' he acquired and often incorporated all sorts of fragments from tombs, medieval buildings and even cathedrals. The property is now St Mary's College.
In the manner of the time, and perhaps there was a tune to go with it, William Pulteney, Earl of Bath composed his praises of Walpole's efforts beginning:
Some cry up Gunnersbury,
For Sion some declare,
Some say, that with Chiswick House
No villa can compare:
But ask the beaux of Middlesex,
Who know the country well,
If Strawberry Hill, if Strawberry Hill
Don't bear away the bell?
O/S Co-ords:1581.7230
Source(s):
The County Books - Middlesex
Twickenham Past