Hatfield House, a majestic Jacobean manor in Hertfordshire, England, holds a unique place in British royal history. The stately country house we see today has its origins in the Tudor period as Hatfield Palace, childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I. Over the centuries, this regal residence has witnessed the lives and intrigues of monarchs, noblemen, and statesmen. Let us delve into the rich history and grandeur of Hatfield House.
From Palace to Country House: A Royal Beginning
The story of Hatfield House begins in the late 15th century with the construction of Hatfield Palace, a grand red-brick manor built by John Morton, Bishop of Ely and later Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1538, King Henry VIII acquired the property from the bishops of Ely and transformed it into a home for his children, particularly the young Elizabeth.^[1]^
It was at Hatfield that Elizabeth, born in 1533, spent much of her childhood along with her half-siblings, the future Edward VI and Mary I. The household accounts from 1551-1552 record the young royals‘ presence:
"Item for the charges of the household of the Lady Elizabeth her Grace and the Lady Mary‘s Grace, the King‘s Majesty‘s children, at Hatfield…"^[2]^
Elizabeth‘s governess, Kat Ashley, later recalled the princess‘s studious nature at Hatfield: "Her mind has no womanly weakness, her perseverance is equal to that of a man, and her memory long keeps what it quickly picks up."^[3]^ It was here too that Elizabeth likely honed her skills in languages, music, and rhetoric that would serve her so well as queen.
The most legendary event in Elizabeth‘s life at Hatfield occurred in 1558. Sitting beneath an oak tree on the estate grounds, she learned that she had become Queen of England upon the death of her sister Mary. This Queen Elizabeth Oak still stands today, a living link to that pivotal moment.
The Creation of a Jacobean Jewel
In 1607, Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury and chief minister to King James I, took possession of the Hatfield estate. Desiring a more modern and luxurious residence befitting his status, Lord Salisbury soon began construction on the present-day Hatfield House.
From 1608 to 1612, a grand Jacobean manor arose on the site of the former palace. Architect Robert Lemynge, who had previously worked on the royal palaces of Richmond and Theobalds, oversaw the construction.^[4]^ The result was a stunning example of early 17th-century architecture, with its ornate stonework, elaborate carvings, and mullioned windows.
The house‘s floor plan, arranged around a central courtyard, followed the popular Elizabethan "E" shape. The exterior featured the characteristic Jacobean mixture of brick and stone, with classical columns and decoration. Inside, the house boasted spacious apartments, a long gallery, and a grand staircase, all designed to impress visitors and proclaim the Cecils‘ wealth and power.^[5]^
One of the most striking interior spaces is the Marble Hall, a resplendent room featuring black and white marble flooring, intricate plasterwork ceilings, and a carved marble fireplace. The exquisite Grand Staircase, with its oak balusters and newel posts, is another testament to Jacobean craftsmanship.
A Home Fit for Nobility
Since its construction, Hatfield House has remained the seat of the Cecil family, one of England‘s most prominent aristocratic dynasties. The Cecils have produced numerous notable figures, including William Cecil, Lord Burghley, chief advisor to Elizabeth I, and the Marquesses of Salisbury, who have held high offices including Lord Privy Seal and Lord President of the Council.
The house‘s interiors reflect the tastes and interests of generations of Cecils. The library, housing over 10,000 volumes, is a particular treasure. Many of the books were collected by Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, who served three times as prime minister in the late 19th century.^[6]^
The art collection at Hatfield is equally impressive, with works by renowned masters such as Van Dyck, Reynolds, and Mytens. The famous Rainbow Portrait of Elizabeth I, depicting the queen in a gown embroidered with eyes and ears, is among the most iconic images of the Virgin Queen.
Gardens and Grounds Befitting a Queen
The resplendent gardens and grounds of Hatfield House are as much a draw as the house itself. Spanning 42 acres, the gardens are divided into several distinct areas, each with its own character and history.
The formal West Garden, with its geometric parterres and topiary, is a prime example of the 17th-century knot garden style. The adjoining Sundial Garden features a central sundial surrounded by intricate plantings. To the east lies the Woodland Garden, a landscape of meandering paths, specimen trees, and springtime daffodils first planted by the 3rd Marquess in the 1870s.^[7]^
Perhaps the most famous spot on the grounds is the site of the ancient Queen Elizabeth Oak, where the princess is said to have learned of her accession. While the original tree died in the 19th century, its octagonal wooden seat remains, and an oak planted in 1985 by Queen Elizabeth II now grows nearby.^[8]^
Beyond the formal gardens lies the extensive Hatfield Park, encompassing some 1,000 acres of woodlands, pastures, and farmland. With its herds of deer and winding walking trails, the park offers a glimpse into the pastoral landscape of old England.
Hatfield House Today: A Treasure on Display
Today, Hatfield House is not only a family home but also a major cultural and tourist attraction. The house and gardens typically welcome over 100,000 visitors per year, generating significant economic impact for the region.^[9]^
The estate hosts a range of events throughout the year, from outdoor concerts and theater performances to seasonal festivals and antique fairs. The Hatfield House Old Palace is a particularly popular venue for weddings and corporate functions.
Hatfield has also made its mark on popular culture, serving as a filming location for numerous movies and television series. The house has appeared in productions ranging from the 1989 film "Batman" to the acclaimed Netflix series "The Crown."^[10]^
Visitor Information
Open: April to September, Wednesday to Sunday
Hours: House 12pm-5pm, Garden 10am-5:30pm
Tickets: Adults £21, Children £10, Family £56
Access: Direct trains from London King‘s Cross to Hatfield station
| Feature | Hatfield House | Blenheim Palace | Chatsworth House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built | 1611 | 1722 | 1687 |
| Acreage | 1,000 | 2,100 | 35,000 |
| Rooms | 100+ | 200+ | 300+ |
| Art Collection | 800+ paintings | 10,000+ artifacts | 3,000+ paintings |
^Comparison of major English country houses^
In the words of the late 6th Marquess of Salisbury, "Hatfield has been the centre of my family for 400 years, and I hope it will remain so for many generations to come."^[11]^ For visitors today, a trip to Hatfield House offers a glimpse into those centuries of history, a chance to walk in the footsteps of Elizabeth I and marvel at the craftsmanship of the Jacobean era. It is a true English treasure.
References:
- Emerson, Kate. "Hatfield House." The Tudor Times, 2021.
- Household Accounts of Princess Elizabeth and Lady Mary 1551-1552, Hatfield House Archives.
- Weir, Alison. The Life of Elizabeth I. Ballantine Books, 1999.
- Gapper, Claire. "Hatfield: An English Jacobean House and Garden." Architectural History, vol. 60, 2017, pp. 31-70.
- Strong, Roy. The Renaissance Garden in England. Thames & Hudson, 1998.
- Cecil, Robert. "The Cecils of Hatfield: 400 Years of History." The Telegraph, 12 May 2011.
- "The Gardens at Hatfield House." Hatfield House Estate, 2023.
- "The Queen Elizabeth Oak." Hatfield House Estate, 2023.
- "Tourism Boosts Hatfield House Visitor Numbers." Welwyn Hatfield Times, 21 Nov. 2019.
- "Filming & Photography." Hatfield House Estate, 2023.
- Cecil, Robert. Hatfield House: The Salisburys‘ Tudor Jewel. Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers, 2022.
