Domestic Life

Houghton House changed hands many times after Mary Herbert’s death. Each owner altered the layout and room functions to suit their needs and aspirations.

Houghton House, as it might have appeared in 1767, based on a surviving inventory. English Heritage (Stephen Conlin) ©English HeritageThe principle entrance to Houghton House opened into a great hall. It was the largest space in the house and, on special occasions, it would have functioned as a dining room for the entire household. The great hall was eventually partitioned to create a private dining room for the family.

Above the great hall was the great chamber. It served as a reception room for private dining and entertaining. Whilst owned by the Marquess of Tavistock (Bedford family, 1764-67), the great chamber was converted into a library.

The family would have occupied the grand apartments on the first floor, overlooking the gardens and hunting park, while the servants would have slept in the garret rooms on the second floor. The service wing (now demolished) contained the kitchen, brew-house, stillroom and scullery, and was attached to the east of the house.

Houghton House was an expensive property to maintain. Robert Bruce’s household accounts of 1678 show that he spent £3,464, more than most Lords earned in a year.