May 28 2012
By James Gates

The Elms, in Twyford Crescent, is Acton’s longest standing building.

Acton has gone through a lot transitions over the years. It was, for example, once nicknamed ‘Soapsuds Island’ during the 19th century on account of the 170 laundries in the area. The area may have gone through several changes, but there is one building that has outlived all of them.

The Elms, in Twyford Crescent, is Acton’s longest standing building. Built by Charles Morren in 1735 as a baroque country villa, the property’s survival can be attributed to its many transformations through the ages.

Over time, the various owners of the grade II listed building have used the grandeur and vastness of the property to suit their individual needs.

Its first occupier, Sir Joseph Ayloffe, lived there between 1737 and 1749. Both a lawyer and antiquarian, the Palladian facade and flattened Doric pilasters would have suited his interest in historical architecture.

A string of wealthy families moved to Acton and the surrounding areas during the 17th and 18th centuries.

A small, peaceful, rural village with no more than 2,000 residents and only five miles outside of London, Acton at the time was a much sought after location. The affluent Wegg family were next to own The Elms, living there for 93 years.

Ronald Scott followed, and despite the fact that his family comprised of only three people, a large number of servants were employed for the general upkeep of the property. Seven servants including parlour, house and kitchen maids, a cook, nurse, groom and even a cowboy were all able to comfortably live in The Elms.

And as unlikely as it may sound, the place had its very own cowboy, a vital member of staff who looked after the cattle on the extensive grounds surrounding the house.

Elms Lodge, guarding the entrance to the estate, housed the coachman and his family. Green houses, a boating lake and huge fishpond could all be found prior to the early part of the 20th century.

Predominantly built of brick, the house epitomises the Georgian style with its symmetrical plan, raised foundations and five bay facade.

With two stories and a large basement, the interior remains impressive. Samuel Wegg is responsible for adding the lower east and west wings in 1758.

The Elm’s future came into question when it ceased to be a private house in 1954. Plans were put forth outlining the council’s intention to demolish the building in order to make way for a row of houses named, somewhat ironically, Wegg Avenue.

Middlesex County Council opposed the decision and fought hard to acquire the rights to the villa. Just as Gunnersbury Park diversified to become a museum and Pitzhanger Manor warped into an art gallery, The Elms was turned into a school.

Extensions were added in the form of a three-story classroom block and a lower wing in 1957. A south facing technical block was added a decade later.

In 1981, the Twyford Church of England High School was formed and The Elm’s has remained a place of education ever since. The school now boasts a new sports hall but the character and history of the original building remains. Although Morren might have objected to these additional extras they have proved pivotal in the
house’s longevity and ultimate existence. Had The Elms not evolved and grown with the times, it may no longer be standing today.