Join Lord Salisbury and a distinguished panel for a fascinating summer evening exploring the remarkable story of Hatfield House, Park and Gardens.
Set within the magnificent surroundings of Hatfield House, this special event combines expert insight, exclusive access and the rare opportunity to discover archive material that is seldom displayed to the public.
Whether you have a long-standing interest in history, architecture, gardens or simply enjoy discovering remarkable places, this promises to be an engaging and memorable evening.
One of the highlights of the evening is a specially curated exhibition featuring documents, illustrations, and photographs from the Hatfield House Library and Archives.
Many of these remarkable items are rarely available for public viewing, offering a unique insight into the planning and development of Hatfield House and its surrounding landscape during the early 17th century, and the changes the Estate has seen in the intervening centuries.
For anyone with an interest in British history, architecture or landscape design, this is an opportunity that is unlikely to be repeated.
Discover how Hatfield House was conceived during the first decade of the 17th century and how the architecture, interiors, gardens and surrounding parkland were carefully designed to complement one another.
Our panel will explore the Estate’s fascinating development, its links with Robert Cecil’s earlier estate at Theobalds, and the ways in which four centuries of history continue to influence the management and conservation of Hatfield House today.
Lord Salisbury has resided at Hatfield House for many years and continues the family connection with the Estate, which spans more than four centuries. As custodian of one of Britain’s finest historic houses, he remains closely involved in the stewardship of the House, Park, Gardens and wider Estate, offering a unique perspective on preserving this remarkable heritage for future generations.
Robert Gascoyne Cecil, 7th Marquess of Salisbury, was educated at Eton and Oxford, and succeeded his father as Marquess in 2003. Formerly a banker in California and London, he served as Conservative MP for South Dorset with interests in foreign and constitutional affairs. Summoned to the Lords in 1992, he became Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Lord Privy Seal, Leader of the House of Lords, and later Opposition Leader. He is a Knight of the Garter, and he chairs The London Defence Conference, served as Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, and is Patron of The Sixteen. Like his long line of ancestors over the past 400 years, he resides in Hatfield House, and he and Lady Salisbury are closely involved in the management of the House, Park, Gardens, and wider Estate.
An internationally respected architectural historian with more than 25 years’ experience at English Heritage and Historic England, Dr Emily Cole specialises in Elizabethan and Jacobean country houses. Up until 2013, she was Head of the Blue Plaques Team in London and is now a Senior Architectural Investigator based in Cambridge. She has published widely on this and other subjects, including authoring an article on Theobalds, Lord Burghley’s Hertfordshire home, and co-authoring Apethorpe: The Story of an English Country House (2016). Emily is a Fellow and former Trustee of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
A respected researcher, lecturer and writer specialising in historic gardens, Kate Harwood has spent more than two decades advising on the conservation of historic parks and landscapes throughout Hertfordshire. Her expertise reveals how Hatfield’s celebrated gardens evolved and continue to inspire today. After completing an MA in Garden History, she taught the subject at Birkbeck College and Cambridge University. She lectures on garden history across the country and has devised several courses on the subject. For the past 20 years, she has been the Conservation & Planning Officer for the Hertfordshire Gardens Trust, drawing on her knowledge of the county’s historic parks and gardens to inform planners and others.
As Head of Park and Gardens, Andrew Turvey combines practical stewardship with deep horticultural knowledge. His work caring for one of Britain’s most significant historic landscapes offers a fascinating contemporary perspective on managing an internationally important estate.
Andrew has been Head of Park and Gardens at Hatfield Park since 2019. He originally joined the Estate in 2017 as Head Gardener, following roles with the Royal Horticultural Society and English Heritage. Andrew has a wealth of experience in horticulture and landscape management, with a particular focus on heritage gardens and sustainable practices. He leads a team responsible for the care and development of Hatfield’s historic Park and Gardens, and plays a key role in supporting the Estate’s environmental and community initiatives.
5.00pm
Arrive at Hatfield House and enjoy time to explore the House and Gardens.
6.00pm
Champagne reception in The Armoury and exclusive archive exhibition.
6.30pm
Lecture begins in the stunning Marble Hall.
Following the talks, there will be an audience Q&A with our panel.
9.00pm
Event concludes
The evening takes place within the spectacular Marble Hall at Hatfield House.
Guests arriving by car should enter via George’s Gate (AL9 5HX), where complimentary parking is available. Admission to the event is via the Secret Door beside the Old Palace.
£50 per person
Free admission is available for carers accompanying the person they care for (ID required). Learn more about parking at Hatfield House and Park.
This is a special one-evening only event, and capacity is limited.
Advance booking for this unique event is recommended to avoid disappointment.
