History of Foxholes

Our 167 year-old site is known to have been a former maternity ward, Catholic boarding house, and for the past thirty years - a care home.

Today, we remain a proudly family-run home dedicated to serving the community with warmth and high quality, personalised elderly care.

1857 – The imposing building started life as a Manor House for Quaker William John Lucas and his family. There is a road named Lucas Lane after the family, just north of the care home. 

1939 to 1951 – The building was converted into a maternity ward, serving the people of Hitchin and the surrounding area. 

1960s – The building was used as a Catholic boarding house for boys who attended the nearby St Michael’s College, before entering priesthood. During this time, the boarding house was also used as a home for retired priests, who would often help educate the children.

1987 – The building became a nursing home for the general public. 

2010 – The old nursing home was demolished following significant investment to transform the building into a luxury residential care home. 

2012 – Foxholes Care Home, as it stands proudly today, opens its doors.