Cobham Hall

It yields much for the student of art, architecture and history. The Elizabethan wings date from 1584 while the central section contains the Gilt Hall, wonderfully decorated by John Webb, Inigo Jones' most celebrated pupil, in 1654. Further rooms were later decorated by James Wyatt in the 18th Century.

Many English monarchs have enjoyed the splendour of Cobham Hall from Elizabeth I to Edward VIII, later the Duke of Windsor. Charles Dickens regularly walked through the grounds from his house in Higham to the Leather Bottle pub in Cobham village. In 1883 the Honourable Ivo Bligh, later the 8th Earl of Darnley, led the victorious English cricket team against Australia and brought home the "Ashes" to Cobham Hall.

Today, visitors to the House should not miss the many fine 17th century marble fireplaces and the 18th Century historic Snetzler organ in the Gilt Hall.

The gardens, landscaped for the 4th Earl of Darnley by Humphrey Repton, are being restored by the Cobham Hall Heritage Trust. Extensive tree planting and clearing have taken place since the hurricane of 1987. The Gothic Dairy, The Pump House and some of the classical garden buildings are also being renovated for all our visitors to enjoy.

The grounds yield many delights for the lover of nature, especially in Spring, when the gardens and woods are resplendent with daffodils, narcissi and a myriad of rare bulbs.