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History
How Holdenby went from Elizabethan England’s greatest Palace to the beautiful House you see today.
1583
Holdenby Palace was built in 1583 by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor and favourite of Elizabeth I.
1583
It was the largest and most magnificent house in England, built around two courtyards with 123 huge glass windows.
1647
After Hatton died, the house became the Palace of James I & then Charles I. After his defeat in the Civil War, Charles was held here for 5 months during 1647, until Cromwell sent Cornet Joyce with 500 soldiers to remove him. He was executed in 1649.
1660
After the Civil War, the Palace was sold to a Parliamentarian, Adam Baynes, who reduced it to a single wing. Following the restoration in 1660, it reverted briefly to royal ownership.
1709
In 1709 it was bought by the Duke of Marlborough, since when it has descended the female line to the Lowther family.
1870
During the 1870s the remaining wing was adapted into the present house.
Lowther Family
The Lowther family dates from 940AD and has produced more Members of Parliament than any other family in England. The present owners are James & Karen Lowther.
