Rooted in community.
When London’s Armenian community numbered only a few hundred, the founders of the Armenian Community Trust imagined a home for its future. With the financial support of founding trustee Edward Benlian, they purchased the four-storey Kensington building that became Hye Doon in 1959.
As families arrived from Lebanon, Egypt, Cyprus and elsewhere in the Middle East, Armenian House offered a home from home: old acquaintances, new friendships, Sunday lahmajoun, concerts, readings and a growing library.
The House has evolved with the community, supporting Armenian organisations, community committees and cultural life. From 1992 to 2023, it was also home to the Embassy of Armenia in the UK.
Strong links with the Armenian Church shaped life at the House. On Sundays, there was sometimes only room to sit on the stairs to eat lachmahjun. Concerts, readings, social events and the Armenian Library brought the growing community together.
Through its committees and affiliations with other trusts, the Armenian Community Council and the Ladies Committee, Armenian House remains woven into the fabric of the UK Armenian community.