Burghley

About Burghley - History of The House

skip navigation
Clock stage dated 1585
Clock stage dated 1585
An artists view of Burghley from the south in 1720
An artists view of Burghley from the south in 1720

The building of the House extended over 32 years from 1555 to 1587. There can be little doubt that William Cecil was his own architect, although he did have some help in design and execution from an Antwerp Mason called Henryk.

The stone used to build the House came from a local quarry in Northamptonshire, so hard and durable that the stonemasons marks can still be seen on the South Front. It was built in several sections, with the majority of the work being undertaken in Burghley’s absence. In fact he never really lived in the House is it would have been impractical for him to have been away from court for long periods.

The essential Tudor nature of the building can still be seen in the inner courtyard which, on a guided tour, is visible through the Ante-Chapel windows. It is also evident in the gatehouse which can be seen on the west front. This was the original entrance to the House and is as magnificent and awe inspiring today as it must have been when it was first built, the windows lighting up like fire when the sun sets across the parkland on a summer afternoon, at the time when visitors might have arrived.

Like all houses Burghley has seen periods of ‘modernisation’. In the 17th Century, the open loggias around the ground floor were enclosed and although the House was built in the letter E in honour of the Queen, it is now missing its north west wing. During the period of the 9th Earl’s ownership, and under the guidance of ‘Capability’ Brown the south front was raised to alter the roof line and the north west wing was demolished to allow better views of the new parkland. In the 19th century the 2nd Marquess employed J P Gandy to construct a two storey corridor around the inner courtyard, blocking views of the courtyard from the State Rooms, but allowing much needed space for bathrooms and allowing servants easier access to rooms.