Ingatestone Hall

Ingatestone Hall is a 16th-century manor house in Essex, built by Sir William Petre around a central courtyard. It stands east of the village of Ingatestone, eight kilometres south-west of Chelmsford and forty kilometres north-east of London. The house remains home to the Petre family, who have lived there since it was built. Part of the building is used as offices while the family occupies a private wing. Queen Elizabeth I once stayed at the hall during her royal progress. The Petre family played a key role in English history, sheltering Catholic priests when such acts were forbidden. They held secret Masses in a private chapel and commissioned music from William Byrd for their services. Two priest holes in the east and south wings hide evidence of this dangerous time. The hall also witnessed the imprisonment of Lady Katherine Grey and the execution of St John Payne. Later, it became a school during the Second World War and housed the Essex Record Office in the 1950s. The architecture reflects Tudor style with stepped gables, tall chimney pots and a crenellated turret. The Long Gallery was the main living space, linked to the rebuilt family chapel. A one-handed clock on the entrance arch bears the motto ‘Sans dieu rien’. Restoration in the early 20th century returned Tudor features such as mullioned windows. The hall has inspired literature and appeared in film and television adaptations.