“Sir William hath at his own great costs and charges erected and builded a new house, very fair, large and stately, made of brick and embattld.” 

THAT was a gentleman called Thomas Larke writing in 1566. He was surveyor to Sir William Petre, and was writing about Ingatestone Hall, the new house that Sir William had built 25 years earlier in the midst of his Essex estates.

Sir William Petre was Secretary of State to four Tudor monarchs, and since his death Ingatestone Hall has passed through the hands of fifteen generations of the Petre family who continue to own and occupy it today.

The Hall stands in open countryside, one mile from the village of Ingatestone and substantially retains its original Tudor form and appearance with its mullioned windows, high chimneys, crow-step gables and oak-panelled rooms.

It has two priests hiding places and contains furniture, pictures and memorabilia accumulated over the centuries.

It is surrounded by ten acres of enclosed gardens comprising of extensive lawns, walled garden and stew pond.

The Hall remains primarily a private family residence – but on specified days during the summer months, visitors are welcome to spend time exploring the house and grounds. It is also available for private hire.

For more information about Ingatestone Hall and much more in Essex, go to www.visitessex.com