Canonbury Antiques - A Brief History of Brocket Hall Hertfordshire

( Above Photo: The Labours of Hercules (2013 film) )

Brocket Hall is a neo-classic country house sitting on 540 acres in Hertfordshire, England. It is thought to be “Britain’s most lewd stately home” because of the scandalous parties that once took place there. It's only a 25 minute drive from Canonbury Antiques so definitely worth a visit after you see us.

Before the current house was built in 1760, there had been a house on the site in 1239, replaced by another in 1440 built by a family called the Brockets. While they occupied the estate, the Brocket family served significant roles in Hertfordshire. For example, in 1553, John Brocket became Hertfordshire’s sheriff.

( Above Photo: Brocket Hall Hertfordshire )

Since its construction in 1760, the current house has served as a residence for two prime ministers – Lord Melbourne (Sir Matthew Lamb) and Lord Palmerston. Of course, William Lamb, British Home Secretary and Prime Minister between 1779 and 1848, built the current house.

Even though born in London, Lord Melbourne lived and died in Brocket Hall Hertfordshire. The house was soon to be occupied by Lord Palmerston, Prime Minister, 1855 to 1865 when he died in Brocket Hall.

( Above Photo: Entrance hall, Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire )

Brocket Hall’s brush with history was to return in 1939 when it served as a Red Cross maternity hospital. While Lord Melbourne’s room served as a birthing room, the Prince Regent’s (King George IV) suite became a recovery room. During the First World War, Brocket Hall witnessed the birth of over 8,338 babies.

In 1967, Charles Nall-Cain, an Eton School 15-year-old student, inherited the building plus the “Lord Brocket” title from Arthur Ronald Nall-Cain, his grandfather. Charles transformed the house into an attractive building standing on the spot today.

Having taken over the house in his 20 and assumed his role as a House of Lords peer, he built two golf courses on the estates in 1992. As one who loved a good party, Charles partied with the rich and famous, including singer Kim Wilde and American actor Faye Dunaway. The Prince of Wales was his regular guest for a game of polo.

As the two golf courses became successful, Charles found the money he needed to pursue a vintage car collection, which was his passion. With time, his collection of classic cars included 42 Ferrari and Maserati vehicles.

Brocket Hall Hertfordshire Today

Having hosted wild parties, Brocket Hall is today a favorite venue for weddings, meetings, and other social gatherings. It has beautiful brick walls and gabled roofs exterior. River Lea flows below the building and features a stone bridge and a small auto-operated ferry on the lake.

The interior has Thomas Chippendale looking glasses, Robert Adam chimneypieces, and Giovanni Battista Cipriani’s paintings. It has eight bedrooms, one of them having served as a suite for the Prince Regent.

There’s a dining room, which previously served as a ballroom for the earliest occupants of the house. It’s adorned by impressive murals and service as Pride and Prejudice's setting in 1995.

Once in a while, it hosts Valentine’s Weekend parties, providing guests with the opportunity to continue with its previous occupants’ propensity to party. Visitors often find it easier to stroll on the grounds or the private racecourse, after which they can have a bash.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to stay in a stately home, Brocket Hall should be your first port of call.