InfoBritain

 

Hatfield House

The present Hatfield House was built in the seventeenth century for Robert Cecil, chief minister to James the First. In the gardens can be found the Great Hall, a surviving wing of the Royal Palace of Hatfield where Elizabeth the First spent much of her childhood. There are 2000 acres of woodland on the Hatfield estate. It is an English tradition that Elizabeth was given the news while she was standing or sitting beside an ancient oak tree in the grounds of Hatfield House. She is supposed to have quoted from Psalm 118, "A domino factum est mirabilis in oculis nostris" or "this is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes." The oak tree is a potent symbol of England. Ancient Britons are said to have worshipped the trees, and in years to come the ships that would spread English power around the world would be built of oak. The oak is perhaps as redolent of England as the white cliffs of the south coast. Perhaps Elizabeth sat under an oak at Hatfield, and perhaps she didn't, but true or not the story reflects much about England. The Queen Elizabeth Oak, the tree beneath which Elizabeth is supposed to have heard of Queen Mary's death is a short walk from the house.

Hatfield House runs an award winning educational programme, which offers two hours of activities, with notes sent to teachers beforehand. Activities include meeting Henry the Eighth and having to entertain him!

Opening Times: Hatfield House is open March 22nd 2008 until 30th September 2008. The house will be open Wednesday to Sunday and bank holidays 12 midday to 5pm. Last admission is at 4pm. On weekdays (except August) the house can only be seen on a guided tour booked upon arrival. Weekend and bank holiday visitors can view at their own pace. Guides are available in each room.

The Park, West Garden, restaurant and shop are open 11am to 5:30pm. The East Garden is open Thursday only 11am to 5:30pm.

Directions: Hatfield is in Hertfordshire , off the A1(m), seven miles north of junction 23 of the M25. Exit the A1(m) at junction 4 and follow the brown leisure signs. The main entrance is opposite Hatfield station. Kings Cross to Hatfield is a twenty five minute journey. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Hatfield House.

Access: wheelchair users can see all of the open rooms in the house. Large or power chairs will not fit in the lift, but chairs for use in the house are available. There is a wheelchair route around the West Garden, a map of which is available from the garden kiosk. Access to shop, restaurant and toilet is good. Carers are admitted free.

Contact: 01707 287010

web: www.hatfield-house.co.uk