Old Gorhambury House — Tudor Ruins near St Albans

A Noble House of Tudor Power

Set amid rolling parkland west of St Albans, Old Gorhambury House stands as a striking reminder of Tudor ambition and grandeur.
Built in 1563–68 for Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal and father of the philosopher Sir Francis Bacon, the house once welcomed Elizabeth I herself.

Today, its stately ruins — elegant brick arches, tall chimneys, and grand windows — still whisper of wealth, intellect, and courtly splendour.

A Home for the Tudor Elite

Sir Nicholas Bacon built Old Gorhambury to reflect his success and learning.
It was designed in the Elizabethan prodigy house style — spacious, symmetrical, and built for royal visits.
The house’s red brick, large windows, and ornamental towers embodied new Renaissance ideals spreading through England.

However, after the family built New Gorhambury House nearby in the 18th century, the old mansion fell into picturesque ruin.
Therefore, what survives today is both a fragment of power and a romantic landscape feature.

Exploring Old Gorhambury House
1. The Facade and Hall

The main front still shows the grandeur of its design.
Tall brick columns and archways frame what was once the Great Hall, where Bacon entertained nobles and scholars.
In addition, carved details and window tracery remain surprisingly intact.

2. The Chapel and Wings

To the east lie the remains of the family chapel and domestic quarters.
These walls reveal the symmetry and balance typical of Tudor architecture — part palace, part intellectual retreat.

3. The Setting

Surrounded by parkland and ancient trees, the site offers peaceful walks and distant views of St Albans Abbey.
Interpretive panels explain how the estate evolved from Tudor times to today.

Learn more at the English Heritage website

A Place of Learning and Legacy

Old Gorhambury was not only a residence but also a centre of thought.
Sir Francis Bacon, born here in 1561, went on to become one of England’s greatest philosophers and statesmen.
Furthermore, the ruins symbolise both the glory and impermanence of Tudor England — power turned to poetry in brick and stone.

Visiting Old Gorhambury House
How to Get There

Address: Gorhambury Estate, off Watling Street, St Albans AL3 6AH

By Car: From St Albans, follow Watling Street (A5183); limited parking on site

By Train: St Albans City Station (3 miles)

By Bus: Routes from St Albans stop near the estate gate

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily, dawn to dusk

Free entry

Facilities

Outdoor site with information boards

No toilets or café on-site

Step-free access around ruins; uneven ground

Nearby Attractions

St Albans Cathedral — Norman masterpiece with Romanesque architecture

Verulamium Park — Roman ruins and museum nearby

Hatfield House — Jacobean mansion with royal links

Shaw’s Corner — Former home of playwright George Bernard Shaw

Together, they form the Hertfordshire Heritage Trail.

Why Visit Old Gorhambury House?

The Old Gorhambury House experience offers:

Impressive Tudor architecture in a peaceful park setting

Connections to Francis Bacon and Elizabeth I

Free access all year round

Beautiful countryside walks

Whether you come for the history, the views, or the photography, Gorhambury rewards curiosity with quiet splendour.
It’s not just a ruin — it’s a Tudor vision echoing through time.