The Frythe is a country house set in 47 acres of grounds just outside Welwyn. Built in 1846, it was the home of the Wilshere family. Later it was a hotel, a secret government research establishment, and then a modern commercial research facility for GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”).
In November 2010 the Frythe was sold to Lands Improvement Holdings plc. The company is working to get outline planning permission that will result in the old house being renovated and converted into apartments, and houses being built in the grounds. It is hoped to preserve many of the old trees.
Jeffery Knaggs has written an interesting short history of The Frythe.
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Dear Sir/Madam,
I’m trying to find employment records or even photos of staff from 1910-16. My great grandfather, Alick Luther Baker (1883-1918) was the carpenter at the Frythe, and he lived at Brock Cottage in Ayot St. Peter. I have but one photo of him (a poor facsimile) and it would be fantastic if there were more of him!
Here’s hoping something might come up!
Thank you
Dan Baker