Located in the Chilterns, just outside Amersham, a famous historical market town listed in the census of 1066, Woodrow High House is steeped in history dating back to the 1600s. The Grade II listed manor house, likely built in the mid-17th century, has been home to many notable residents over the years. London Youth has owned and operated Woodrow since 1945, when the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths gifted the site to support youth groups during the war. Opening its doors in 1946, the house has continued to serve young people, providing opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, grow resilience, and form lasting connections.

The Drake family, cousins of Sir Francis Drake, purchase Amersham estates, including Woodrow High House. Early records refer to it as Woodside Lodge or Woodside House.

Woodrow was the home of Oliver Cromwell’s wife Elizabeth and daughters after the English Civil War. The manor house is said to have been at the heart of conspiracies against King Charles I. The house featured escape tunnels built to protect its occupants in case of a raid.

Lady Helena Stanhope, betrothed to Sir Peter Bostock, hid him in Woodrow’s grotto during the Monmouth Rebellion to overthrow James II. His location was discovered, leading to his capture and execution for treason. Heartbroken, Helena took her own life with poison kept in the manor house. Her spirit is said to roam the halls of Woodrow as ‘The Green Lady’.

The influential Tyrwhitt Drake family occupy Woodrow while awaiting the completion of the Shardeloes estate. William Drake, the Member of Parliament for Amersham, is known to have lived at the house between 1758 and 1766. Over this century, there were key architectural additions, including the grand staircase (1714) and the drawing room (1785).

During the Great War, Woodrow became a war hospital supply and ammunition depot, thanks to Mrs. Elizabeth Pelham-Clinton, who lived there with her husband, Charles Stapleton Pelham-Clinton. In 1830, the distinctive bell above the ogee arch entrance porch was added and remains intact today.

Sir Nigel Leslie Campbell, nephew of Charles Stapleton Pelham-Clinton and High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in 1937, purchased Woodrow High House in 1927. During World War II, the Campbell family lived in the attic while Emsworth House School, evacuated from Portsmouth, occupied the main house. After the war, the family sold Woodrow to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths for £13,500.

As World War II ended, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths purchased Woodrow High House and gifted it to the Federation of London Boys’ Clubs (now London Youth). The aim was to provide a training centre and retreat for youth workers and young people, supporting communities rebuilding after the war.

On 18th May, Sir John Maud, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, formally opened Woodrow High House. Youth clubs worked together to prepare the site, and boys’ clubs enjoyed their first residential experiences, beginning a long tradition of supporting young people’s growth and development.

In February, Woodrow hosted the very first Duke of Edinburgh Award test expedition. Boys staying at the house became pioneers for what would become a defining aspect of the programme.

In 1981, a swimming pool was built, making swimming a core activity at Woodrow. This was further enhanced in 1998 when HRH The Duke of Edinburgh inaugurated a new Leisure Centre with a modern sports hall and pool, dedicated to the memory of Lawrence Levy.

Woodrow High House was listed as a Grade II historic building, celebrating its unique architecture and historical significance.

The Covid-19 pandemic led to Woodrow’s first closure since 1946. During this time, extensive refurbishments of the Manor House and Leisure Centre were undertaken, allowing the site to reopen stronger in 2022.

Woodrow completed its off-road Cycle Skills circuit, offering young people an exciting mountain biking activity. This addition reflects Woodrow’s ongoing commitment to outdoor learning and adventure.