Ingatestone Hall

History

Sir William Petre, who served as Secretary of State to three successive Tudor monarchs (Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I) and later deputised for Elizabeth I, built Ingatestone Hall on land acquired after the dissolution of the monasteries, when he took over the manor from Barking Abbey. The house passed down through his family, later ennobled as the Barons Petre, and it remains in their hands. Queen Elizabeth I is recorded as having stayed at the Hall, reflecting the Petre family's standing at the Tudor court.

Architecture

The Hall is built of brick and timber in the Tudor style, with mullioned windows, tall chimneys and crow-step gables. Much of the interior retains its original oak panelling, and the house has changed remarkably little in external appearance since the 16th century.

Worth knowing

Queen Elizabeth I is recorded as having stayed at Ingatestone Hall, reflecting the Petre family's standing at the Tudor court. Members of the current Petre family sometimes lead the house's conducted tours, offering a direct link between owner and visitor.

Gardens & grounds

The Hall sits within ten acres of enclosed gardens, including broad lawns, a walled garden and a stew pond once used for keeping fish.