The Burhill History

The Burhill Estate and the Golf Club itself have an intriguing history. Here are some key dates and facts:

1726 – The mansion was built as a private residence by Peter De La Porte, a wealthy London Thread Merchant.

1750 – Brigadier-General John Johnson inherited the house.

1841 – Grandson of the above Charles Kemeys-Tynte, MP for Bridgewater, Somerset, inherited the property from his father Lieutenant-Colonel John Kemeys-Tynte.

1851 – Francis Thomas Bircham, a Parliamentary lawyer acquired the property.

1861 – Fire destroyed the whole mansion, which was rebuilt the same year.

1885 – Sir Edward Cecil Guinness (the future 1st Earl of Iveagh) purchased the property from Samuel Bircham, son of Francis Bircham.

1905 – Burhill Estate was put up for auction without success and was withdrawn from the market.

1906 – The second Earl of Iveagh leased the mansion (and land for two 18 hole golf courses) to a syndicate of local business men.

1907 – Burhill Golf Club opened.

1940 – The Ministry of Aircraft Production requisitioned the Club, where Barnes Wallis created his famous ‘Bouncing Bomb’.

1947 – The Clubhouse was restored to the members.

1999 – Building of the New Course commenced. Work also began on the restoration of the mansion.

2001 – The New Course opened in May 2001, with the Clubhouse being officially re-opened by the 4th Earl of Iveagh on 3rd September.

Burhill Golf Club have put together a comprehensive history document for the Club. For further information about the history of Burhill Golf Club, click here>>