Yahoo News Essex school once King Henry VIII's forgotten palace buys popular wedding venue
The future of an iconic building on the outskirts of Chelmsford has been secured with New Hall School stepping in to buy the property. The listed Boreham House building, set in acres of countryside, will become the school's new home for its preparatory divisions.
Pupils aged from one to 11 will start to use the historic building's facilities from September 2025. It's hoped that use of the House, which was originally part of the New Hall estate, will free up space on the school's existing site for the Senior Divisions and, in particular, provide a new space for the Thomas More Sixth Form Centre.
Boreham House has been run by Teresa Ward as an award-winning wedding and events venue since 2008. Ms Ward now plans to retire after handing the property's keys to New Hall School.
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Principal of New Hall School, Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, said they were “so excited" by the opportunity to own Boreham House. They said: "This investment demonstrates our commitment to innovation, growth and excellence of education, for all our students. The house and grounds are truly beautiful. This will be an inspirational setting for our Preparatory children."
New Hall School's Preparatory provision celebrates their 80th anniversary in 2027. Boreham House has a long history of being used for commercial and educational purposes. It was previously owned by the Ford Motor Company in 1952, becoming the main training centre in Europe, and then the temporary home for the National College of Agricultural Engineering.
Mrs Samantha Twomey, Head of the Preparatory Division, said students would learn in a "beautiful setting". Outgoing owner Teresa Ward added: "Purchasing iconic Boreham House was my dream and it’s been an honour and pleasure to be the custodian of one of the only independent-owned stately homes in Essex for almost 16 years.
"Having successfully operated it as a wedding and events venue, surviving Covid and economic recessions, it was amazing to have built up its reputation as the leading and award-winning multicultural venue in Essex. Without our Brides and Grooms trusting us for their special day, we would not have created such a successful wedding business.
"I would like to thank my team and family for all their help and support over the years. It is only fitting that the house now returns home to its rightful place as part of New Hall estate, and I am confident that Mrs Jeffrey and her team will maintain the integrity and heritage of Boreham House as they transfer it once again back to a successful academic building."
New Hall School was owned by King Henry VIII over 500 years ago, which was the former Tudor Palace of Beaulieu - with Henry VIII's Royal coat of arms still on show in the school chapel.
