Images: Hatfield old house (great hall block) from west, garden facade, and interior of great hall (photos: C.A. Stanford)
Acquired: 1538
Henry frequented this house of the bishops of Ely so much that in 1538 he required an exchange of property and formally acquired it. A brick structure of the late fifteenth century, it underwent a number of alterations and repairs during the Henrician era, and was, after Henry’s death, the principal residence of Princess Elizabeth. In later years it fell into decay and a nearby Jacobean mansion was built by Sir Robert Cecil, who pulled down most of the old palace except for the great hall, kitchen and gatehouse block.
*Click here to see the women vendors that worked at this site.