Hampton Library

Hampton Library, originally known as Rose Hill (Council Offices), is a mid-18th century building that now serves as the Hampton branch of the public library and flats owned by the borough. It is said to have been built for John Beard, a famous Covent Garden tenor who passed away here in 1791. The building has undergone various additions and alterations, including a one-storey library wing added to the west.

The original structure consists of three bays and three storeys, with a two-bay coach house wing to the east. The façade features stock brick with stone bands separating the storeys, and both sections have separate hipped slate roofs. A notable feature is the cupola on the central roof, designed like a small round Tuscan temple topped with an ogee lead roof. The coach house block has a tiled roof. Most windows are 18th-century sashes, although some have been altered or blocked.

On the north front, which faces Rose Hill, the entrance is located in the centre bay, which has a semi-circular window on the top floor and sunk panels beside the first-floor windows. The ground floor features a large brick projection with a glazed entrance and flanking windows. The coach house wing has two segmental arched openings that are now blocked, with modern windows inserted.

The south front overlooks Upper Sunbury Road and the river from a high bank, showcasing a central full-height three-window splayed bay that is the most prominent feature. There is one window on either side, with the ground floor window to the west being modernised. The coach house wing appears as two storeys and an attic on this front, with a slightly projecting centre that contains an arched recess, now partly filled by a small window.

Inside, there is a contemporary staircase and a panelled staircase hall and landings. For the entrance lodge and gates, refer to Upper Sunbury Road.