Heritage Talk - key characters in Boston Manor House's history

In the third of our Heritage Talks series, historical researcher Steph Hagan returns to share her findings and discoveries on the people who owned and lived at Boston Manor House during its 300 years as a family home.

Steph worked as the researcher and copywriter for the house restoration and its’ new permanent exhibition. Steph’s talk will explore some of the key questions behind her research and share the records that give us new insight into the lives of its owners. Just who was Lady Mary Reade, the woman who commissioned the house? Why did she build a house at Boston Manor? Why did James Clitherow move his family from the heart of the City of London to deepest west London? How did the Clitherow family make their money and how did this change over the centuries that they owned the house, and why did they eventually sell it?

Steph is an independent historical researcher who works on a wide range of projects for both individuals and commercial clients. Alongside her own work, she is part of the team at Sticks Research Agency, one of the UK’s leading heritage consultancy and historical research organisations. Her expertise and skills range from genealogy and family histories; to house histories, property and land use. An experienced business researcher, Steph has a particular interest and focus on corporate histories, often working with clients to tell their stories in the run up to key anniversaries or centenary celebrations. Steph has also provided research for local heritage organisations, exhibitions and heritage projects across London; and she is part of the volunteer team at Merton Local Heritage Services. She has many years’ experience creating and commissioning a variety of end products including websites, books, reports and interactive presentations. Steph has an MA (Oxon) in Modern History from Jesus College, Oxford and a Masters Degree in Design Studies from Central St Martins College of Art & Design. She is also a Governor at a primary school in Wimbledon where she lives.

Doors for the talk in the State Drawing Room will open at 18:30, though ticket holders are welcome to arrive from 18:00 and take time to visit the rest of the House or enjoy the café. The House will also remain open for ticket holders for 30 minutes after the end of the talk (7:30pm-8:00pm.)

The talk will last around 45 minutes, with 15 minutes Q&A session.

Get your tickets here: Heritage Talk Tickets, Thu 23 Nov 2023 at 18:00 | Eventbrite