HATFIELD HOUSE

This is probably the last of the great houses that we will visit during this trip.It was courtesy of Tesco loyalty coupons!! It is hard to believe that this massive pile of bricks is actually the home of the current Earl of Salisbury and his missus.
Built towards the end of the 15th century as a splendid palace for the Bishop of Ely, King Henry VIII later retained the property as a home for his two daughters Elizabeth and Mary. Hatfield Palace remained in Royal hands until 1603 when, in an extraordinary property exchange, James I took Robert Cecil's property near Waltham Cross and offered him Hatfield Palace. Not entirely happy with this arrangement, Robert, created first Earl of Salisbury, set about demolishing the old Tudor palace and began building the fine Jacobean mansion house that can be seen today.

Only part of the house is open to the public, but it includes the enormous gallery
on the walls of which are hung inumerable works of art, the value of which is probably astronomical. Another long gallery, the Armoury has agrand display of original suits of armour and it is fascinating to think of men actually allowing themselves to be kitted out with these obviously heavy suits and then trying to fight a battle thus encumbered. At least they would not have been in much danger of being hurt!!

There is a 18th century Dutch pipe organ at the end of this gallery,and while we were there it was being played producing a beautiful sound and so appropriate for the situation.

The gardens are extensive and immaculate, and although we had to dodge rain showers, we wandered around them delighting in the displays of both known and unknown varieties.

The original Tudor Palace, where Elizabeth 1st lived, has been extensively rebuilt, but unfortunately was closed for a private function while we were there. But we did enjoy an excellent lunch in the Coach House restaurant.