About Valentines Mansion
Valentines Mansion was built in around 1696 for Elizabeth Tillotson and her family, after the death of her husband, the Archbishop of Canterbury. At that time the new brick house stood in open countryside, several miles from the edge of London.
Valentines has changed hands many times since then. City merchant and banker Robert Surman bought the estate in the 1720s and created the walled gardens, dovecote and grottoes.
In the 1760s owner Sir Charles Raymond spent part of his fortune renovating Valentines, giving the house its Georgian appearance.
Sarah Ingleby, the last private resident of Valentines, died in 1906 and the Council acquired the house in 1912. Since then, the mansion has been home to wartime refugees, a hospital, a public health centre, and a council housing department.
After standing empty for 15 years, Valentines was restored in 2009 with Redbridge council and Heritage Lottery funds, and strong community support to create the historic but contemporary venue it is today.
Valentines at a glance
Visit us on Open Days
Step back in time and explore the Grade II* listed Valentines Mansion. With over 320 years of history waiting to be discovered, Valentines is a great day out for the whole family. Explore the period rooms, including Georgian bedchamber, Regency Parlour and Victorian kitchen. The Gallery hosts many art exhibitions all year round. Remember to pick up a free visitor guide from Reception, it’s packed with information on history and highlights.
Enjoy our beautiful gardens
Our beautifully kept historic gardens are open all year round for all to enjoy. Take a stroll through the Old English Garden, Kitchen Garden and Victorian Rose Garden. Other highlights include the Dry Garden, Dovecote, Rococo Grottoes and Long Water. Continue your visit into Valentines Park, an award-winning open space with a boating lake and children’s play area.
Gardener’s Cottage Cafe
Nestled in the Kitchen Garden you’ll find the Gardener’s Cottage Cafe. Open everyday, the cafe has ample indoor and outdoor seating, Choose from a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes, soups, sandwiches and other lunch options.
Studio Artists
Valentines Mansion is home to some wonderful artists. Click the link below to find out more information about the artists.
Weddings
The Mansion is available for hire for a range of events, including marriage ceremonies, civil partnerships, wedding receptions, private functions and business events.