Guidebook: Kirby Hall

Kirby Hall is one of the most important and enchanting ruined houses in England. When built by Sir Humphrey Stafford in the 1570’s, it was stylistically highly innovative: in particular, the design of the courtyard reflects the arrival in England of new European ideas in architecture and design. Shortly after Humphrey Stafford’s death, the first Sir Christopher Hatton, one of Queen Elizabeth I’s courtiers, bought Kirby Hall. He added a suite of state rooms, fit to receive royalty: the queen did not visit but James I did so several times. In the 17th century the royal master mason and architect Nicholas Stone made further modifications to Kirby Hall. In the 1670s and 1680s the Hatton family laid out gardens that were then famous for their beauty and rare plants. In the 18th century the Finch-Hatton line of the family inherited Kirby. After they made their principal home in Kent, Kirby was abandoned and gradually slipped into decay. In 1930 it was rescued by the government and is now in the care of English Heritage, the gardens having been re-created in their late-17th-century form. Key Features: Exclusive to English Heritage Paperback