06 East of England

Thursday 29th May 2025 at noon Meet outside Hatfield (Hertfordshire) railway station (AL9 5AB) if using public transport for a visit to the neighbouring Hatfield House and Gardens (AL9 5HX), which have a number of connections with the Royal Family.  The Old Palace, adjacent to the Jacobean style House, was built in 1485 by the Bishop of Ely; it was later acquired by Henry VIII and was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I.  The Jacobean style House was built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, and remains in the hands of the Salisbury family to this day.  A banquet was held for Queen Victoria's visit to the House in 1846, prepared in the kitchen which has been restored in recent years.  The gardens extend to forty acres and include the Queen Elizabeth Oak, where Elizabeth I learnt of her succession to the throne in 1558.  13th Century St Etheldreda's Church is also near the House and is open to explore.  We can make our way through the Gardens (pedestrian entrance directly opposite the station) to the House (adult admission £24), Old Palace Tour (additional £7); the Stable Yard houses a number of independent retail businesses, and […]