Hornchurch & Upminster MP, Julia Lopez, has met with the Friends of the Langtons Estate to discuss funding avenues to support repair works to rare 18th century bathhouse.

Last Friday, Julia Lopez MP met with the Friends of the Langtons Estate to discuss their efforts to restore the rare 18th century bathhouse, hidden in the pristine garden originally designed by famous landscape gardener, Humphry Repton.

Langtons House, and its grounds, were given to the Hornchurch Urban District Council in 1929 under the condition that the building must be used for council purposes and the grounds be kept open to the public.

While the house has remained well known as a local registry office & wedding venue, and the gardens enjoyed by many throughout the summer, the discreet bath house set by the lake is often overlooked by visitors.

Buildings like this are now rare in the UK, and the Langtons’ bathhouse and gazebo has been described by specialists as being particularly rare, forming an important part of Havering’s local heritage.

The site is in need of repair, suffering from weather induced rot, while other works are needed to restore the bathhouse to its former glory. The Friends of Langtons Estate group are currently exploring a potential option to fund these works via a Veolia Grant.

While visiting, Mrs Lopez confirmed her support for the project and also advised the Friends Group of potential other sources of funding, via the Repairs Grant scheme operated by Historic England.

Commenting, Julia Lopez MP said:

It was great to meet with Nigel and Vivian from the Friends Group and Richard, from the Council’s Parks Team. The bathhouse is a rare and unique part of our local heritage and it is wonderful to see such commitment from the Friends Group to restore it to its former glory so that many generations to come can enjoy it. I hope to be able to provide further formal support to their campaign after the election.