Houghton House was built in the 17th century as an elaborate hunting lodge of striking design. The house was eventually dismantled, its ruins surviving as a garden feature.
Mary Herbert, the Dowager Countess of Pembroke, was a well-connected member of the royal court. She commissioned the lodge in 1615 on land granted to her by King James I. The architect was probably John Thorpe, a well-respected designer, with the famous Inigo Jones contributing some elements. The building was completed by 1621 when King James honoured Mary with a visit to Houghton.
After Mary Herbert’s death, the estate was granted by the king to the Bruce family but it was eventually purchased by the Dukes of Bedford. The fifth Duke of Bedford rented the hunting park to a neighbour. He was subsequently unable to let the house without the park, so he ordered Houghton to be dismantled in 1794. Some of the fittings were used in new building projects.
The ruined house and park were later incorporated into the grounds of nearby Ampthill Park. As a result the house still dominates the landscape today providing wonderful views over its former hunting park. The striking location may have been the inspiration for the ‘Palace Beautiful’ of 17th century Christian writer John Bunyan’s religious epic ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’.
Disclaimer
The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
