... At Linden Homes’ Wilshere Park, Welwyn
The Special Forces Club has unveiled a plaque to commemorate the fascinating history of The Frythe, a stunning building located at the heart of Linden Homes’ Wilshere Park development in Welwyn. The plaque was presented to Linden Homes by Colonel Kevin FitzGerald, on behalf of The Special Forces Club and honours the building’s time, during World War II, when it housed Station IX of The Special Operations Executive (SOE) from 1940-1945.
Invited guests, including the Mayor of Welwyn and Hatfield, Councillor Roger Trigg, enjoyed a talk on the building’s most fascinating memories from Kevin FitzGerald. They were then able to go on a tour of the building to see the stunning restoration work that was carried out throughout the communal areas and within the apartments themselves, where many of the period features remain.
Adrian Sims, Managing Director of Linden Homes Chiltern, commented: “Wilshere Park is a development we’re extremely proud of. We were delighted to give The Frythe a new lease of life and ensure it lives on. It’s been an absolute honour to celebrate and ensure the legacy of the building’s colourful history, with some of the most fascinating stories coming from its role in the Second World War. My thanks go to Kevin FitzGerald for initiating and creating the commemorative plaque which will act as a permanent reminder of the importance the building one played in our history.”
The Frythe sits at the heart of the Wilshere Park development in Welwyn. Beautifully restored by Linden Homes, The Frythe now offers twelve luxurious apartments designed to honour the history of the building. The word ‘frythe’ derives from the Old English word meaning wooded country which perfectly describes the stunning backdrop of woodland and green space to be found at Wilshere Park.
Records of building date back to 1260 with the restored Gothic Revival mansion being built in 1846 and was then commandeered in 1939 by the British Military Intelligence. It was then used as a hub to conduct secret research into military vehicles, equipment and weapons. It was at The Frythe the Welrod one-shot sleeve gun, the Welman one-man submarine and the Welbike were created, with the names referencing the location they were created, in Welwyn.
A number of the charming two and three bedroom apartments are still available at The Frythe. The apartments boast stylish design, high ceilings and outside terrace space. Within each apartment you will find elegant living rooms and beautiful bedrooms, stylish kitchens and luxurious bathrooms. Add to this an abundance of light through grand windows and you have a truly enviable place to live within a secure new community.
Adrian Sims continues “I would like to thank all those who attended the unveiling, it was a very special day. I’d also like to thank the teams involved in the construction of this beautiful development and a special thank you and well done to the site team on the incredible restoration of this fantastic building.”
For more information about Linden Homes’ Wilshere Park development or the part exchange and Help to Buy incentives available, please visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk/wilsherepark or call 01707 861 386.
You can also visit the sales and marketing suite at Wilshere Park open Thursdays from 12pm-7pm and Friday to Sunday from 10am-5pm.
-ENDS-
Media can contact Amber Chapman on 01962 893893 / amber.chapman@becg.com for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.
