Burton Agnes Hall

Our View

It’s pretty unusual for the same family to own a property since it was built, over 400 years ago, but that’s the deal with this fabulous Tudor mansion. That it’s never been put up for sale means its stuffed with family treasures, too. The original builder was Sir Henry Griffith, who employed Robert Smithson, master mason to Queen Elizabeth I, as his architect. Uniquely, his plans have been preserved, revealing not only the unity of the design but also how little has changed. You’ll find a turreted gatehouse is a foretaste of the glories to come. The perfect symmetry of the red-brick mansion, three storeys high, with two square and two compass bays, is preserved by having the entrance door at the side of one of the bays. Inside you’ll see vivid biblical, allegorical and mythological figures carved into the astonishing Elizabethan screen and massive chimneypiece, almost the height of the wall in the Great Hall. The Red Drawing Room is an incredible example of brilliantly painted and gilded Elizabethan panelling, with another outstanding carved chimneypiece depicting the Dance of Death. Burton Agnes has a ghost – of Anne, youngest daughter of Sir Henry Griffin. Fatally wounded by robbers, Anne declared she could never rest unless part of her remained at Burton Agnes. When they ignored her wishes and buried her in the churchyard, her ghost walked until her family fulfilled their promise and moved her to the site – and it walks again if ever she is disturbed. As well as the house, you can enjoy a woodland walk, children’s play area and picnic area. Throughout the year, diverse artists are in residence – you can view their artwork in the summer house and in the hall.