Gorhambury History

[Eric Roberts]

https://archive.org/details/b24873573_0005/page/274/mode/2up?view=theater

An Historical Sketch of the History of Gorhambury Estate from the Gentleman's magazine, 1891

[A Phoenix]

Hi Eric,

Came across some info of Gorhambury which may be of some interest:

Fascinating Gorhambury Artist’s Impression (at the site of the ruins): https://www.tylersandbricklayers.co.uk/recent-events/610-3-august-charter-day-visit-to-gorhambury-house

Gorhambury Floor Plan & Description: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/herts/vol2/pp392-405

Old Engraving from The Martyrdom of Francis Bacon by Alfred Dodd

[Eric Roberts]

12 hours ago, A Phoenix said:

Hi Eric,

Came across some info of Gorhambury which may be of some interest:

Fascinating Gorhambury Artist’s Impression (at the site of the ruins): https://www.tylersandbricklayers.co.uk/recent-events/610-3-august-charter-day-visit-to-gorhambury-house

Gorhambury Floor Plan & Description: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/herts/vol2/pp392-405

Old Engraving from The Martyrdom of Francis Bacon by Alfred Dodd

Found this very well-executed watercolour painting by John Buckler from 1815 of Old Gorhambury House.

 

[A Phoenix]

So sad, that this is all that remains especially when you consider the excellent condition of many other houses of the period.

[Eric Roberts]

On 3/23/2023 at 5:26 PM, Eric Roberts said:

Found this very well-executed watercolour painting by John Buckler from 1815 of Old Gorhambury House.

 

Two early sketches of Old Gorhambury House from the Gorhambury Estate archives, privately published in 1821 by Charlotte Grimston in "The History of Gorhambury House". Although she gives no indication of their age, these sketches could conceivably date from Sir Francis Bacon's time, or even earlier...?

 

Edited March 26 by Eric Roberts

[Eric Roberts]

10 minutes ago, Eric Roberts said:

Two early sketches of Old Gorhambury House from the Gorhambury Estate archives, privately published in 1821 by Charlotte Grimston in "The History of Gorhambury House". Although she gives no indication of their age, these sketches could conceivably date from Sir Francis Bacon's time, or even earlier...?

 

GORHAMBURY STAINED GLASS WINDOWS

https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/DP084658

 

[Eric Roberts]

1 hour ago, Eric Roberts said:

GORHAMBURY STAINED GLASS WINDOWS

https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/DP084658

 

"VENUS AND ADONIS" BY TITIAN @ GORHAMBURY

Charlotte Grimston gives an inventory of paintings in the Gorhambury House art collection in 1820 which, on the last page of the hand-written book, includes the following entry:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_and_Adonis_(Titian)

 

Of the 30 known versions dating from the 16th century of Titian's "Venus and Adonis", at least 3 copies are in the UK. 

1. Cobb Collection: https://www.cobbecollection.co.uk/art/titian-venus-adonis/

2. National Gallery: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/workshop-of-titian-venus-and-adonis

3. Dulwich Picture Gallery: https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/explore-the-collection/201-250/venus-and-adonis/

Perhaps there is a 4th copy still at Gorhambury? 

How appropriate that this painting once resided at Old Gorhambury, within walking distance of the White Hart Inn.

 

Edited March 26 by Eric Roberts

[A Phoenix]

Eric, these are completely extraordinary for their colour and amazing attention to detail. Another trip to Gorhambury is needed as we don't recall these in any great detail although it has been awhile since we've been. Immediately thought, well we can see where Francis got his love of nature from (Sir Nicholas) and then we spotted this on the Gorhambury House website: 'Further highlights include 17th century painted glass windows, commissioned by Francis Bacon and salvaged from Old Gorhambury' https://www.gorhamburyestate.co.uk/Gorhambury-House

How amazing that we have a very direct and typical representation of Bacon's love and interest in nature. It would be so lovely to have Bacon's detailed notes on each panel when he commissioned it. Mainly birds and flowers but there are some rather unusual and interesting figures as well.

Thank you Eric - you have brightened up a very dull and rainy morning in the UK!👍

 

[A Phoenix]

14 minutes ago, Eric Roberts said:

"VENUS AND ADONIS" BY TITIAN @ GORHAMBURY

Charlotte Grimston gives an inventory of paintings in the Gorhambury House art collection in 1820 which, on the last page of the hand-written book, includes the following entry:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_and_Adonis_(Titian)

 

Of the 30 known versions dating from the 16th century of Titian's "Venus and Adonis", at least 3 copies are in the UK. 

1. Cobb Collection: https://www.cobbecollection.co.uk/art/titian-venus-adonis/

2. National Gallery: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/workshop-of-titian-venus-and-adonis

3. Dulwich Picture Gallery: https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/explore-the-collection/201-250/venus-and-adonis/

Perhaps there is a 4th copy still at Gorhambury? 

How appropriate that this painting once resided at Old Gorhambury, within walking distance of the White Hart Inn.

 

What an incredible link Eric. Perhaps you could find out its whereabouts by asking them at Gorhambury, it was obviously there at one time. Not a very welcome prospect for Stratfordians which reminds us of the 8 Shakespeare Quartos that were found there as well. See Lawrence's great article on this: https://sirbacon.org/links/gorhambury.html

[Light-of-Truth]

I've been trying to match the ruins to the old drawings and engravings. Its not easy.

This shows some in-between:

http://www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/places/places-s/st-albans/gorhambury.htm

EDIT:

We are looking at this place.

[Allisnum2er]

Hi everyone ,

Yesterday, I came across the following article about Gorhambury . I have not even read it yet, but on the face of it, it seems very interesting.

https://www.stalbanshistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1932_02_with_copyright_notice.pdf

[Light-of-Truth]

1 hour ago, Allisnum2er said:

Hi everyone ,

Yesterday, I came across the following article about Gorhambury . I have not even read it yet, but on the face of it, it seems very interesting.

https://www.stalbanshistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1932_02_with_copyright_notice.pdf

Its very interesting.

[Kate]

I don’t know if it means anything (?)but I immediately recognised the outfit on Nicholas Bacon in this publication, to the negative picture of the Shakespeare Funerary Monument that I found yesterday, which we know is from before 1896. Look at the lapels and buttons. Different collars (and face!) 

[Lawrence Gerald]

[Eric Roberts]

24 minutes ago, Lawrence Gerald said:

Any guesses as to what the damaged inscription once said?

 

[Lawrence Gerald]

Video from Grays Inn to Gorhambury made 30 years ago

[Light-of-Truth]

7 hours ago, Lawrence Gerald said:

Video from Grays Inn to Gorhambury made 30 years ago

Beautiful!!

[Allisnum2er]

16 hours ago, Eric Roberts said:

Any guesses as to what the damaged inscription once said?

 

Hi Eric, I think that the damaged inscription said "DIEV ET MO(N) DROIT"

EDIT :

Guess what !?!

I have just found the confirmation on page 42 of the article I shared with you yesterday !😁

"Above the window still remains a splendid achievement of the Royal arms, France modern quartering the leopards of England,

sculptured in stone and being very curious in having the words DIEU ET MON DROIT contracted to DIU.E.MO.DROIT. "

 

 

[Light-of-Truth]

GPT4:

“DIEU ET MON DROIT” is a French phrase that means “God and my right” It is the motto of the monarch of the United Kingdom and appears on a scroll beneath the shield of the version of the coat of arms of the United Kingdom. The phrase has been the motto of English kings and queens since the 14th century.

Nicholas Bacon must have liked it. 🙂

 

[Allisnum2er]

2 hours ago, Light-of-Truth said:

GPT4:

“DIEU ET MON DROIT” is a French phrase that means “God and my right” It is the motto of the monarch of the United Kingdom and appears on a scroll beneath the shield of the version of the coat of arms of the United Kingdom. The phrase has been the motto of English kings and queens since the 14th century.

Nicholas Bacon must have liked it. 🙂

 

A fun coincidence 🙂 ... 

Trying to find if "DIV E MO DROIT"  could mean/hide something, I have just find that "DIEU ET MON DROIT" is the anagram of ...

ET IN MEDIO TUDOR (And TUDOR in the middle).

[Light-of-Truth]

Was Bacon born when Nicholas acquired the Gorhambury Manor?

Page 12: https://www.stalbanshistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1932_02_with_copyright_notice.pdf

Did Sir Nicholas know he was building a Manor for a Tudor King? "DIV E MO DROIT"?

"The phrase has been the motto of English kings and queens since the 14th century."

 

[Eric Roberts]

2 hours ago, Light-of-Truth said:

Was Bacon born when Nicholas acquired the Gorhambury Manor?

Page 12: https://www.stalbanshistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1932_02_with_copyright_notice.pdf

Did Sir Nicholas know he was building a Manor for a Tudor King? "DIV E MO DROIT"?

"The phrase has been the motto of English kings and queens since the 14th century."

 

Hi Light-of-Truth

I get where you're coming from... even though he was Elizabeth's right hand man, Sir Nicholas wasn't "royal", so why have the royal motto and standard carved on the facade of Old Gorhambury House? Was it to flatter the monarch when she came to visit? Or was it to secretly proclaim the royal identity of his adopted son? Thanks to Yann for deciphering the highly eroded letters beneath the coat of arms. Well done! I couldn't make head or tail of it.

Edited June 3 by Eric Roberts

[Light-of-Truth]

13 minutes ago, Eric Roberts said:

Hi Light-of-Truth

I get where you're coming from... even though he was Elizabeth's right hand man, Sir Nicholas wasn't "royal", so why have the royal motto and standard carved on the facade of Old Gorhambury House? Was it to flatter the monarch when she came to visit? Or was it to secretly proclaim the royal identity of his adopted son? Thanks to Yann for deciphering the highly eroded letters beneath the coat of arms. Well done! I couldn't make head or tail of it.

If we followed the money, would the funding for the new Gorhambury house lead to Elizabeth? 🙂

 

[Eric Roberts]

4 hours ago, Light-of-Truth said:

If we followed the money, would the funding for the new Gorhambury house lead to Elizabeth? 🙂

 

I think in those days the monarch owned all the land. This would mean that, technically, all private estates were leased from the crown. But judging from his other manor houses (Norfolk, Suffolk?) he was wealthy enough to afford to build a new mansion in Hertfordshire. Compared to Lord Burghley's "palace", Gorhambury was quite modest.

[Christie Waldman]

Nicholas Bacon purchased Gorhambury from Ralph Rowlett, his brother-in-law (married to Margaret Cooke). The History of Parliament website says "In December 1556 and January 1557 Rowlett sold three large parcels of land, one including the manor of Gorhambury, Hertfordshire, acquired through the agency of certain third parties by Sir Nicholas Bacon, a brother-in-law of Rowlett’s, who made it his main seat." (3d par. under "Biography," https://historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1509-1558/member/rowlett-sir-ralph-1513-71).

I see that there is a new book, Deborah Springer, Mistress of Gorhambury: Lady Anne Bacon, Tudor courtier and scholar, SAHAAS Concise Histories, No 1
www.stalbanshistory.org/store price £6.50 plus p&p.  It calls Anne Mistress of Gorhambury from 1561.

Possibly, because the properties were "acquired through the agency of certain third parties," Sir Nicholas did not own Gorhambury Manor outright until 1561. Who were the third parties? 

Rowlett's executor was Sir Gilbert Gerard who had defended Queen Elizabeth when she was examined by the Privy Council under Queen Mary ("according to tradition found in William Dugdale's Baronage of England," giving ref. to vol 2, 417-418). He was "much favored by Elizabeth." She made him Attorney General a week after she became Queen when he was young for such a post. "Sir Gilbert Gerard, MP, Attorney General," Geni, https://www.geni.com/people/Sir-Gilbert-Gerard-MP-Attorney-General/6000000003097877551 (p. 3)

Gilbert Gerard's cousin's son was John Gerard the Jesuit priest (p. 4) who escaped from the Tower of London. Somehow, although weak from torture, he managed to hold onto a rope leading from the Tower to a boat waiting on the Thames (was the ferryman John Taylor the Water-Poet, possibly?). After the other interrogators had left, Francis Bacon had gone back to see Gerard privately in the Tower, prior to his escape. Is that not suggestive? Gerard's book is The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest, written in Latin, translated by Philip Caramen (Ignatius Press, 2012 [1952]). Was Francis, as the Queen's "Counsel Extraordinary" doing the bidding of Queen Elizabeth in helping Gerard to escape? She had hated the "butchering of priests." I like to think so.