In the late 1950's some Oshwal decided to migrate, from East Africa, and set up homes in the U.K. Amongst the first families to set up in the U.K were the family of Shri Meghji Pethraj Shah whose name is not only the synonymous with charitable activities in East Africa and India, but who have also made their mark in the U.K. Another notable person who came to the UK in1957 is Shri Jayantilal Ranmal Shah, who until May 2003 was one of the 7 trustees of the Association. Africanisation policies in East Africa and the post independence uncertainty led many Oshwal families to look towards settlement in the U.K and the trickle which started in the late 1960's became a steady flow in the 70's. By 1976 it was estimated that there was at least 15000 Oshwals in the U.K. Today the figure is much larger, around 20,000 in 2000. Whilst the majority of the U.K Oshwal settlement is in the Greater London, there are substantial settlements in cities like Leicester and towns like Luton, Northampton and Wellingborough.

In the similar fashion to East Africa, the pioneers of the U.K Oshwal settlement foresaw the need to organise their growing numbers into a community and the Oshwal Association of the U.K came into being in 1969. It was formally transformed into a registered charitable organisation in 1972. The main objective of the Association is the Advancement of Jainism by the provision of a place of worship. It was with this objective in mind that the elders of the community purchased the site in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside known as the "Hook House".

This site, later renamed the Oshwal Centre, consists of almost 80 acres of green field with a listed building and a few run-down stable buildings and barns, has been transformed into the headquarters of the Association and its Administrative nerve centre. The mansion has been totally renovated, in accordance with the provisions of the law relating to listed buildings, and now houses the Administration block, a small temple (Ghar Deraser) and facilities to organise small functions. This building is now called the Oshwal House,The old stables and barns have been removed and in its place now stands the two large assembly halls fronted by a large, well landscape, car park. The Assembley Halls were officially opened in 1989.

Oshwal House Asembley Halls
There is now a Nature Reserve, with a plantation of trees organised by the Oshwal Yuvak Sangh in 1994 and 1995, a playground built in 1994, donated by the Oshwal Pharmacisits. One of the barns still exists, used to store hay. Grass cutting is done by a local farmer. A disused church, in South London, renamed as the London South Mahajanwadi,was purchased by the Association, and converted into a Ghar Derasar, two halls.