Bushey

Art lies at the very heart of Bushey - as the acclaimed Victorian painter Hubert von Herkomer chose to settle here in an area renowned for its wholesome air and easy access to London. He was already famous, having exhibited a major work at the Royal Academy - which he then sold for £1,200 when he was only 26 years old. In 1883, he set up an art school in Bushey, attracting 600 pupils during the next 21 years. The site of the former school is now a
Grade II listed rose garden. Whilst the museum and art gallery is full of Herkomer memorabilia, paintings and a record of his amazing life.

Bushey grew up along the route of a Roman road, although its origins date back to Palaeolithic and Iron Age times. It was a peaceful farming community until the 19th C. when industries including brewing, silk weaving and brick-making developed.

Today the High Street has antique and specialist shops, as well as many restaurants and pubs. The area near the Church of St. James (with its hammerbeam roof) and the quaint village pond is a conservation area.

Nearby

• Hotels and B&Bs
• Self-Catering Places
• Attractions