Home of the Marquess of Salisbury; the magnificent house, built by Robert Cecil in 1611, is full of exquisite tapestries, furniture and world famous paintings. Jacobean craftsmanship can be seen throughout Hatfield House, such as the grand staircase, carved in oak, and the rare stained glass window in the private chapel. John Tradescant the Elder, the celebrated plant hunter, was employed to plant and lay out the gardens. It was here that the young Princess Elizabeth first heard of her accession to the throne following the death of Mary Tudor. Includes the national collection of model soldiers, children's play area, restaurant and shop. The Old Tudor Palace, close by the house, is the childhood home of Elizabeth I, where she held her first Council of State when she became Queen in 1558. It is now the venue for conferences, weddings and Elizabethan banquets. Tel: 01707 262 823 Fax: +44 (0) 1707 275 719
