Situated in Outer London, it’s hard to imagine a countryside scene right on St. Albans’ doorstep. However, the Gorhambury Estate, located on the edge of the city, is a picturesque rural estate saturated with heritage, history and a number of fascinating archaeological and historical sites, which are open to the public.
The estate features two historical houses – Gorhambury House and ‘Old’ Gorhambury House. The latter is a Grade 1 listed ruined Elizabethan mansion, built in 1563–68 by Sir Nicholas Bacon, and was visited a number of times by Queen Elizabeth back in its glory days. The site of the historical ruins is managed by English Heritage and can be accessed daily so long as Gorhambury Drive is open to the public. Access can be made on foot or by bike, and access by car or van is limited to Thursdays (May to September, from 2pm to 5pm).
The current Gorhambury House was built in Palladian style, between the years 1777–84, using many of the bricks as well as a 17th century painted glass window, from the original Gorhambury House. It is a Grade II listed building, part of the Historic Houses Association, and is still home to the Grimston family, so tours are limited - Thursday afternoons from May to September, and private group tours by arrangement.
The Gorhambury area is steeped in history, and less than two miles from the Gorhambury Estate is an amazing sight to see – The Roman Wall of St. Albans. Built between AD 265 and 270 to defend the Roman city of Verulamium, the wall can be traced for most of its two-mile circuit, with parts still reaching an impressive height of four metres. In its day, the wall would have been five metres tall, and was topped by a walkway and protected by a 1.8 metre parapet. Also still in existence are the foundations of two towers and bastions, and the remains of the impressive London Gate are also still visible.
Posted on April 21st 2016