Forum Topic

Hardwick family of Brentford

Would anyone be able to help me with some family research?I am a descendant of the Hardwick family of Brentford who were last there in the late 18th century.  They may be known to those who know the history of Brentford as they were famous architects who are buried in the church of St Laurence.Thomas Hardwick Senior (1725-1798) and his son Thomas Junior (1752-1825) both worked on the church, while the elder Thomas was the master mason for Syon House.Here is my website in memory of them - www.shaw-hardwick.co.uk But does anyone know what the state of condition the church is now in?

Paul Johnson ● 7030d11 Comments

Paul,Yes contact the society, they are very good. Once upon a time you could climb over the back wall into the graveyard, not sure if the fence now goes right round now.If the Hardwick memorial is in the front you should be able to see it although I suspect it may be weather worn.

Neil Chippendale ● 7025d

Dear Neil and Jim,Thank you so much for all your feedback.  I will contact the socitey and I also intend to come and visit the church next week as I am on holiday.  I just hope I can see the family vault in the grounds, it should be quite noticeable.

Paul Johnson ● 7025d

NeilWouldn't it be a good idea if Paul contacted the Brentford and Chiswick History Society..?

Jim Lawes ● 7026d

Not much on Hardwick the Architect in the Brentford books, they do say that he did employ Joseph Turner when he was a student at the RA.More is known on his father, Thomas, as he re-built St. Lawrence in 1764.

Neil Chippendale ● 7026d

Paul:I'll be passing near the Church in the next few days..and will confirm if the front area is accessible. I'll take camera too.At Friday and Saturday's "Brentford's Future" event..where Council Officials will be meeting doen the road..we may find it possible to check on ownership and plans...and access to the site.

Jim Lawes ● 7026d

Last time I looked the grounds were fenced off.

Neil Chippendale ● 7027d

Thank you very much for your reply.I intend to come and visit the church to see if the Hardwick family vault is still in any kind of condition?

Paul Johnson ● 7029d

Thank you very much for your reply.Do you know if one can go and visit the grounds or is it completly closed off?

Paul Johnson ● 7029d

One picture got left behind from my earlier posting. Here we can see the ancient tower..and the 18th Century addition.  I did go inside the church once when it was being opened as a cafe! (and perhaps jumble too)...It was impressive.

Jim Lawes ● 7029d

Pictures from www.derelictlondon.combbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbTEXT FROM THAT WEBSITE""Built in the 15th century and is Grade II listed. The main part of the church was erected in 1764 with latter additions. The church has been unused since 1979.Recently £25,000 has been spent on "securing" the church towerThe site is now on sale for £1.5 million.There is a condition in the original sale by the London Diocesan Fund, that the future use of the buildings and the land be for the purpose of a restaurant or theatre with public car parking to the rear. There is an order subsequently granted by the Home Office  of the Pastural Measure Act 1983 that dispenses with the need to remove human remains from the site on the understanding that future use will not disturb those remains""

Jim Lawes ● 7029d

The church has long been closed. It has been sold many times over the last few years and I guess not in the best state of repair. The tower is a listed building but I dont think the body of the church is.I will look up my Brentford books and email again.

Neil Chippendale ● 7029d