Externally, Burghley House has altered very little from the 16th Century construction masterminded by William Cecil, the 1st Lord Burghley. With its imposing size and solid presence, the house sits comfortably, as if it had always been here, unchanged. This air of permanence is misleading. Within, Burghley has gone through great changes over the centuries under its different Cecil masters, with their differing requirements and tastes. These changes to its interior, to its furnishing and to its decoration can demonstrate to today's visitors how a great house developed and was used by successive generations over 450 years.

During each century following the building of Burghley, the descendants of the Lord High Treasurer have all contributed to the collections that fill this magnificent house. Visitors today are able to see one of the finest assemblies of 17th century Italian masterpieces, an exceptional collection of Oriental and European ceramics, fine furniture, textiles and works of art grouped together in a magnificent setting that remains a family home. Burghley is truly a Treasure House.