Old Gorhambury House, located in the Hertfordshire countryside, Old Gorhambury House offers a captivating glimpse into Elizabethan England. This historic site, once a thriving manor house but now a ruin, is steeped in rich history and associated with prominent figures of the era.
Nicholas Bacon
The property’s origins can be traced back to the Dissolution of the Monasteries, when Henry VIII granted it to Nicholas Bacon, a distinguished statesman and lawyer. Bacon, a graduate of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, had a fascinating journey through academia and law. Legend has it that he evaded ordination with the help of a wealthy uncle (Old Sir Rowland??), adding an intriguing layer to his early life.
Ruins of Old Gorhambury House
Bacon’s acquisition of Gorhambury led to the construction of a new house, Old Gorhambury House, which he completed between 1563 and 1568. The house’s elaborate entrance porch, a cutting-edge design for Tudor times, is a notable feature.
Old Gorhambury House Door
When Queen Elizabeth visited in 1572, she commented on the house’s modest size:
My Lord, what a little house have you gotten
Bacon, ever the diplomat, replied humorously:
Madam, my house is well, but it is you that have made me too great for my house.
To create a more favorable impression during her second visit in 1577, Sir Nicholas added a galleried extension.
Francis Bacon by By Paul van Somer
The impressive structure later became the property of Francis Bacon, the renowned philosopher and statesman. Francis Bacon further expanded the estate by building Verilum House nearby. The design of Verilum House is believed to have been influenced by Soulton Hall.
Verulam House
Old Gorhambury House was not only a place of residence but also a hub of intellectual activity. Nicholas Bacon’s wife, Anne Cooke, was a renowned scholar and translator. Her English translation of John Jewel’s “Apology for the Church of England” played a crucial role in promoting Protestantism in England during Elizabeth I’s reign.
Today, Old Gorhambury House stands as a wistful reminder of the rich history and cultural significance of the Elizabethan era. The site offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past and appreciate the legacy of Nicholas Bacon and his family.
Old Gorhambury House, located in the Hertfordshire countryside, offers a captivating glimpse into Elizabethan England. This historic site, once a thriving manor house and now a ruin, is steeped in rich history and associated with prominent figures of that time.
