Photo: Bernard Burns CC BY-SA 3.0 Source Cropped to fit
Kelmscott House is a Grade II* listed historic house in Greater London, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Kelmscott House
Kelmscott House is a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion at 26 Upper Mall in Hammersmith, built around 1785 and overlooking the River Thames.
William Morris made it his London home from 1878 to 1896, renaming it after Kelmscott Manor, his Oxfordshire retreat.
The main house remains a private residence, but its coach house now holds the William Morris Society's museum, with original textiles, wallpapers and hand-drawn designs.
Historic Houses members get free admission to the museum on production of a valid card.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Kelmscott House
The house was built around 1785 and originally known as The Retreat before Morris renamed it after Kelmscott Manor, which he had leased in Oxfordshire since 1871. During his years there he founded the Kelmscott Press nearby in 1891, and the coach house became a meeting place for the Hammersmith branch of the Socialist League. The William Morris Society now cares for the coach house and its collections as a museum.
Architecture of Kelmscott House
The main house is a Georgian brick mansion, Grade II* listed, dating from about 1785, with a separate coach house to the rear that now serves as the museum space.
Worth knowing
The coach house hosted meetings of the Hammersmith Socialist League, including membership cards designed by Walter Crane. The museum holds an Albion printing press from Morris's Kelmscott Press.
Gardens & grounds at Kelmscott House
The museum includes a small garden alongside its library, shop and printing room.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Kelmscott House
Nearest station: Ravenscourt Park Underground Station (0.3 miles)
Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm year-round; check official website for special closures.
Admission
Free entry to Historic Houses members (show valid membership card)
Places to visit near Kelmscott House
Chiswick House
View Chiswick House on heritage mapFulham Palace
View Fulham Palace on heritage mapKensington Palace
View Kensington Palace on heritage mapKew Palace
View Kew Palace on heritage mapLindsey House, Chelsea
View Lindsey House, Chelsea on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Kelmscott House there are 23 historic properties, including 15 historic houses, 3 palaces and 2 historic buildings, across Historic Houses, English Heritage and National Trust sites.
Within 10 miles of Kelmscott House there are 40 historic properties, including 20 historic houses, 5 palaces and 3 museums, across National Trust, Historic Houses and English Heritage sites.
Within 20 miles of Kelmscott House there are 75 historic properties, including 43 historic houses, 6 palaces and 5 historic buildings, across Historic Houses, National Trust and English Heritage sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near Kelmscott House.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
The Thameside house where Morris lived, and a place to see a historic Kelmscott Press printing press.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Greater London, England
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