Langtons House, Hornchurch, Essex

Image: © Derek Voller Taken: 31 May 2014

This handsome house, built on the site of an older house in the early 18th century, stands in a beautiful landscaped garden with a lake, orangery, bath house and a gazebo, all dating from the end of the 18th century, when Hornchurch was a rural settlement. The house was purchased in 1797 by John Massu, whose family were originally Huguenot refugees, and had become wealthy silk merchants in the City of London. He set about modernising Langtons, to which he added the two-storey wings that project on the south front. Humphrey Repton was commissioned to design the garden and created the serpentine lake and planted many trees some of which stand to this day. Best of all is the magnificent Cedar of Lebanon tree in prime position on the lawn in front of the Southern elevation. The house was given to the Hornchurch District Council in 1929 on condition that it remains unaltered and is for the use of the council only. Also that the gardens are maintained for the free use by the general public. The building is now used primarily as a Registry Office and wedding venue.

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