Brocket Hall

Brocket Hall is a grand neo-classical country house standing in a large park on the western edge of Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. The estate covers a wide area and includes two golf courses along with seven smaller listed buildings besides the main house. The freehold belongs to the 3rd Baron Brocket and the hall itself is Grade I listed. The site once held earlier manors, the first built in 1239 and the second around 1430. These were replaced in the 16th century by a house owned by the Brocket family. The house and park reflect changes made by Sir Matthew Lamb in the 18th century. He bought the estate in 1746 and commissioned architect Sir James Paine to design the present building around 1760. Later owners included Prime Ministers Peniston Lamb and William Lamb, who entertained Queen Victoria there. The estate also hosted royal guests including the Prince Regent and the children of Edward VII. In the 19th century it passed through the hands of Lady Palmerston before being leased by Lord Mount Stephen, a Canadian peer. Visitors walk through landscaped parkland that includes a lake formed by damming the River Lea. A neoclassical bridge designed by Paine carries an approach drive across the water. Nearby stands a garden temple with Adam-style plasterwork and an elliptical porch. The estate also contains Brocket Lea, a smaller house from the early 17th century. Films and television programmes including Pride and Prejudice and Victoria have been shot here, along with music videos by Shakin’ Stevens and Mike Oldfield.