The Bernard Herrmann Society

Cumberland Terrace is a part of the so-called “Nash Terraces” around Regent’s Park. When architect John Nash created Regent’s Park in the early 19th century he also created three “terraces” in the east, south and west of the park. Cumberland is the eastern terrace. They suffered damage during World War II and had to be restored.

Herrmann moved to flat 11 of Cumberland Terrace in 1961 where he lived until 1970. At first he lived half the year in London and for the rest in North Hollywood (a house sharing agreement with his ex-wife). But during the next few years, London became his main place of residence. He lived alone at Cumberland Terrace until he married Norma Shepherd in 1967. 

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Chester Close North is just around the corner from Cumberland Terrace and far different in ambience. It is a very small enclosure that hasn’t changed since the 1950ies, except for the cars.

In 1971 the Herrmann’s decided to live permanently in London and bought a house in Chester Close from Christine Keeler and her husband. She became infamous during the Profumo Affair which ended the Government of Harold Macmillan. 

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The park was originally the king’s hunting ground, until King Charles was forced to sell it due to financial difficulties. The area was basically designed by John Nash in the early 19th Century. This was Herrmann’s favourite park where he spent hours just walking and relaxing. 

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Many famous marriages were made at the Westminster Register Office (formerly known as the Marylebone Register Office) inside the Westminster Council House (the former Marylebone Town Hall). Bernard and Norma Herrmann got married there on November 27, 1967. Bernard was 56 and Norma just 27. Other couples that got married there were Paul & Linda McCartney, Ringo Starr & Barbara Bach and Liam Gallagher & Patsy Kensit. 

Map | Westminster City Council

The Savile Club is one of the most famous London clubs. Herrmann became a member in 1960 proposed by his friends Richard Arnell and Malcolm Arnold. Other famous composer members of the time included for example: Arthur Bliss, William Alwyn, Muir Mathieson, André Previn, John Scott and William Walton. Herrmann rarely visited the club in his later years. The act of belonging was enough. 

Map | The Savile Club

At this famous London store Herrmann shopped quite often. 

Map | Fortnum and Mason

Goody’s was Herrmann’s favourite London Restaurant. Gone since the 1980ies the building has been occupied by succession of other shops and restaurants. 

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This was Herrmann’s favourite London record shop. The composer visited the shop often and he held many record signing sessions there. In November 1975 he signed the Unicorn Psycho recording there. It was his final public appearance. The premises are now part of Pizza Express. 

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