Images: back facade of Petworth; medieval chapel exterior; garden facade (Photos: C.A. Stanford)
Acquired: 1535
Petworth was the Sussex seat of the earls of Northumberland until Henry purchased it in 1535. An “Honour” of Petworth (group of linked estates) was established in 1540 and the king stayed at the house several times. A few repairs are recorded, especially before royal visits in 1538 and 1539, but there is no evidence of any notable building works.
The house was returned to the Percy family under Elizabeth and was greatly rebuilt in the seventeenth century. It is now a National Trust property, with the state rooms open to the public.