Life in London: Historical Hampstead - Cannon Hall & Parish Lock-up

Sunday, 5 May 2013

Historical Hampstead - Cannon Hall & Parish Lock-up

Explore the cobbled streets of Hampstead yourself and step back in time.

No.14 Cannon Place, Hampstead

Cannon Hall, 14 Cannon Place, Hampstead

Built early C18th. Sir Gerald Du Maurier lived here from 1916 until his death from cancer in 1934. You will be familiar with a character which Sir Gerald Du Maurier made his own, that being Captain Hook in JM Barrie's play Peter Pan, of The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, at the Duke of York's Theatre, in December 1904. This was a dual role where he also played George Darling. He wasn't the first choice, however. The much respected actor Seymour Hicks turned down the role of Hook to perform in his own successful musical comedy The Catch of the Season in September of the same year.
Note: The two 300 year old Dutch canons forming road posts outside the gate.

Parish Lock-up, Hampstead

Built c.1730, Closed c. 1829

The placque says:

"Parish Lock-up

About 1730, this lock-up was built into the garden wall of Cannon Hall, where local magistrates held court. Prisoners were kept in this dark single cell until more lasting arrangements could be made for them. Soon after the formation of the police force in 1829, business was transferred to the Watch House in Holly Walk. This lock-up is one of the very few left in London and is a D.O.E. listed building of historic interest. Erected by the Hampstead Plaque Fund"

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