Burghley House | Stately homes to visit in Stamford, Lincolnshire

The House

West front exterior

A magnificent House, built by William Cecil as home to the dynasty that he founded

Burghley is one of the largest and grandest surviving houses of the sixteenth century and a wonderful example of the great Elizabethan ‘prodigy’ houses, built to honour the Queen.

Conceived by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I and built between 1555 and 1587, Burghley is a testament to the ambition and vision of the most powerful courtier of the first Elizabethan age.

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William Cecil was his own architect

Cecil’s rise to power coincided with a change in English architectural fashion. Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1558 brought with it a feeling of optimism for a period of peace and stability in England. Powerful men of the day built great houses that were designed as homes rather than defensible castles. Published folios of architectural designs from Italy and France guided their construction. Cecil corresponded with one of the foremost Dutch architects, Hans Vredeman de Vries, to seek help with design and execution of details. De Vries is recorded as having supplied ready-made columns for an arcade and other advice.

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The building of Burghley

Masons were assembled in 1554, and work began on the east range. The stone used was a hard, shelly limestone, quarried from land owned by Cecil at nearby Kingscliffe. The east and south ranges were largely complete by 1564, when progress was interrupted by Cecil’s purchase, and subsequent massive enlargement, of a property named Theobalds, 12 miles north of London. This property, at least twice the size of Burghley, was to occupy Cecil’s attention for the next 10 years. Records show that the Treasurer spent very little time at Burghley, as he was forced to maintain close contact with Queen and Court. His elder son, Thomas, lived at Burghley and supervised the works there. The west front (pictured) with its great gate-house (it was originally intended to be the main entrance) was finished in 1577. The north front was completed in 1587. Cecil’s remarkable palace at Theobalds was completely demolished after the Civil War.

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Later alterations

In the late 17th century, the 5th Earl inserted arched windows on the south front to enclose a gallery and possibly to repair damage caused during the Civil War, when Cromwell’s forces subjected the house to a brief bombardment.

In 1754, Brownlow, 9th Earl, employed Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, not only as a garden and parkland designer but also as an architect. Brown built the extensive stables, the Orangery and designed a Gothic garden summerhouse. He also demolished the single-storey north-west wing to open up the north courtyard and to give views of the newly planted parkland.

In 1828, the 2nd Marquess retained the architect J P Deering to enclose a corridor surrounding the ground and first-floor levels of the Inner Court, to modify the north entrance and to add a new doorway and corridor entrance from the Chestnut Courtyard.

Take a look inside

Explore the House using our virtual tour.

Virtual Tour
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What an amazing place! We've spent hours here with 3 children aged 4,7, and 10. The house was so good with so much to see and the staff were so good with the kids, telling them some really good, interesting things as well. The gardens were amazing with all the interactive bits and sculptures! And the play areas were even better!! They loved the slides and den building and more. Amazing place. We will be back!

Burghley visitor | July 2024

Burghley is an amazing place with fabulous gardens. In fact it’s my favourite house in England.

House visitor | July 2024

Absolute knockout. Stunning, jaw-droppingly awesome. Each room more incredibly stunning than the last, a gorgeous property that just keeps on giving. Best grand house that I have visited by a mile. Lovely staff too. Incredible experience, what a day.

House visitor | May 2024

Each room was so unique and the guide book was so easy to follow. My two children loved the kids guide to the house and were fascinated by the ceilings.

House visitor | May 2024

Truly was a super day with friends, Burghley have a fab house, great shop (not the same old stuff) and the gardens STANDOUT, soooo much that’s interesting in the gardens.

House visitor | April 2024

Staff were very friendly and engaging. They took time to explain interesting historical facts to the children and to answer our questions. Finding the secret doors in all the rooms was a great hit.

House visitor | April 2024

A great day out enjoyed by all members of our family ages ranging from 2 to 68. Particularly liked the house that was amazing with great guides and no "stuffiness" Thank you so much.

House visitor | April 2024

Beautifully presented, excellent explanations by all helpful and friendly staff, enormous amount of paintings, everything immaculately presented.

House visitor | August 2023

Each room is a revelation. The décor, especially on the ceilings, is mind blowing.

House visitor | June 2023

I was totally blown away by Burghley! I am a fan of historic houses, so have visited many. I think this was one of the very best. The collections were exquisite, the presentation stunning and the staff were incredibly friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

House visitor | April 2023

Park Closure:

Burghley closure on Sat 7 and Sun 8 Dec due to weather warnings for high winds

For more information