Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Who built it…who owns it
A monastery stood on the site before Henry VIII gave the property to Sir Thomas Audley
in 1538. Used as a family home, the structure was torn down by Audley's grandson, Tho-
mas Howard, 1
st
Earl of Suffolk, who built a grandiose house here — once the largest
house in England. Howard and his wife entertained King James I at Audley, but were later
imprisoned for embezzlement.
Audley End was acquired by King Charles II in 1668. In 1701, the Suffolk family re-
gained the property and started a downsizing program, demolishing the front court and
east wing, and remodeling the great hall.
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