Schopwick Place
Schopwick Place is the Shuker family home. It is a grade II-listed building in the heart of the village of Elstree.
There has been a building on the site since the early 16th century. The present house mainly dates back to the early 18th century. Is is made of red brick in a early Georgian style. It is set in extensive grounds with a lovely walled kitchen garden and monét inspired bridge over a lily pond.
Schopwick Place in April '08 Snow!
The heart of the house was constructed in the early 1700s (c1710), however the cellars date back to the 16th century and belong to the previous Schopwick Place (not the present house) recorded in county archives that existed in 1528. A well (that is now in the kitchen but would have originally been outside) also dates from this time.
Later in the 18th century, the projecting north and south wings were constructed, along with their associated pavilions. In the late 18th century the present kitchen extension was constructed. Later in the 19th century the north pavilion was demolished, possibly because of damage by subsidence.
Schopwick Place, c1800
Schopwick Place from the rear, c1910
In 2002 when a tree was being moved a tunnel was discovered under the property. Initial speculation led historians to think it may connect to the church next door, but it is now believed to have been an early latrine pipe or drain. Part of the tunnel has been kept and the property built around it. The tunnel is likely to date from the time of the tudor property.
Previous residents of Schopwick Place include Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bruce (1746 – 1813), and Sir Percy Everett (1870-1952) Deputy chief scout, who wrote "Scouting for Boys" with Baden-Powell in 1908, and was knighted in 1930.
