Brentford Toll House Opens to Public

A rare chance to see inside local historical attraction

On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September, as part of Open House Weekend, Brentford’s historic Toll House will be open to the public from 1pm-5pm. The tiny Grade II Listed building, which was refurbished as part of the regeneration of Brentford Lock, reveals the history of Brentford and its canals through a series of exhibits.

The Toll House will be manned by volunteers from Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society and is one of over 600 buildings open for Open House Weekend. The weekend has become London’s biggest architectural event and gives people the chance to visit historic buildings normally closed to the public – completely free of charge.

Mark Blackwell, British Waterways’ leisure manager for London, says: “Brentford was once a vital transport hub and is still an important inland waterway gateway between London with the rest of the country. The area has improved immensely over recent years and it’s great to give people the opportunity to see inside the Toll House and discover for themselves the important role that waterways have played in Brentford’s history.”

Hounslow Heritage Guides (www.hounslow-heritage.org.uk) are also offering free guided walks of the local area:
• Saturday 16 (3.30pm) - a tour of Brunel’s Great Western Dock will depart from the corner of Brentford High Street and Half Acre;
• Sunday 17 (2.30pm) - a guided walk along the Grand Union Canal to Boston Manor House, with a tour of the state rooms, leaves from the Toll House.

3 Sept 2006