Burghley House: Inside England’s Grandest Stately Home

Burghley House is not only the largest Elizabethan Prodigy House in existence today, but also likely the most luxurious and extravagant county house in England. Recently featuring in series 5 of Netflix's The Crown as Windsor Castle, Burghley House is a Stately Home like no other. With 18 grand State Rooms featuring painted walls and ceilings depicting scenes from ancient mythology, the Manor house at Burghley is quite literally fit for Royalty. Built by William Lord Cecil, Queen Elizabeth I's most trusted advisor, Burghley house took 32 years to complete and when complete in 1555, was one of the absolute marvels of the Elizabethan age.
But, like many other of England's great houses, Burghley evolved with a succession of owners. From a great Tudor house Burghley evolved into a grand Georgian House. From Baroque to NeoClassical, and from the Italian Painter Antoni Verrio to the legendary landscape gardener Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, Burghley House is an amalgamation of different tastes and styles.
Join me on an inside tour of Burghley House, and find out more about the evolution of one of England's grandest and most extravagant country homes.
As always, these videos take a considerable amount of time to research and produce and I do this largely out of my passion for championing our heritage. If you like what I do and want to see more videos like this, please give me a leg up by hitting the 'like' button and subscribing to my Channel. Thanks so much for your support!
Please also check out my Instagram page at eheritage.uk
Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome.
0:31 - Burghley House intro.
1:15 - A great 'Prodigy House'.
2:15 - William Cecil, Lord Burghley.
3:50 - Queen Elizabeth I.
4:30 - History of Burghley House.
6:23 - Inside Burghley House.
7:30 - Old Kitchen, Chapel, Billiard Room & Bow Room.
8:30 - The grand State Rooms.
11:30 - Burghley House on Film and TV.
12:12 - Final words.
12:48 - Please support me!
All images and videos are my own or used under the Creative Commons License.
Music and Sound FX licensed through @epidemicsound

[@heidir7553]

You took the words right out of my mouth "jaw dropping" I think if I were to visit in person it would just stop me in my tracks. The heaven room is just that, Heavenly😇 now I remember it from the Da Vinci code. Thank you so much for sharing your passion. Heritage needs to be preserved and we need more people like you to do just that. Another one on my bucket list. Hope to make it one day. Greetings from Ontario, Canada🇨🇦❤

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you so much for your kind words, it makes it all worth while! Really hope you make it 🙏

[@GeneralGouda]

I’m an American. My ancestor was the son of Brownlow Cecil, 8th Earl of Exeter. His name was Robert Burleigh the 1st. He was the younger brother and never inherited the title of Earl. He migrated to the colony of North Carolina and became a furniture maker where he eventually joined the NC militia and fought against the British. Very interesting life story.

[@NelsonClick]

Blown away at the scale of the old kitchen. Jeez! It was probably necessary and practical in its time. I bet people slept on pallets on the floor for decades as during cold weather it would have been the warmest space in the house because fires had to burn constantly. Wonderful channel.

[@Xploreheritage]

So was my dad! Yes its incredible isn't it!? I imagine you are probably right. Really glad you enjoy my content, thanks so much!

[@budfoon]

I had the good fortune to visit Burghley House with Harry (Henry) Floyd, a friend and classmate from New Mexico Tech, in winter 1979. Harry's mom was descended from William Cecil, who built Burghley House. Harry knew all the secret passages and other areas not open to the public and we had a great time exploring everything. My only regret was that the snuff bottle collection was not on display at the time. Burghley House is indeed a treasure!

[@Xploreheritage]

That is very interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@maryhossier3380]

Absolutely love Burghley, the five star horse trials on the grounds are spectacular and I love the connection to Chariots of Fire.

[@Xploreheritage]

It’s great isn’t it! I have really enjoyed seeing It in the latest series of the Crown!

[@curtisdaniel9294]

This Home has been on my personal list for some time - your video has helped elevate it to first place. Thanks for doing this and your excellent narrative.

[@Xploreheritage]

That’s really good to hear Curtis! You absolutely won’t be disappointed. Thanks for your comment 🙏

[@theoldbuilding4818]

Ahh my local Stately Home! I walk from Stamford to the house and use the gardens every day.

[@Xploreheritage]

Stunning isn’t it! I’m lucky to have Castle Howard as my local 😍

[@hendo337]

It would be interesting if you made some videos about some of the incredible English Country Houses that no longer exist that were destroyed after the wars, if you could find pictures. That would be very interesting inspite of being very sad.

[@timothylaws4549]

Very lovely • incredible 🇬🇧

[@Xploreheritage]

😊

[@robertguerrero8009]

Well done mate, thanks for sharing, cheers..

[@roxia7484]

Hello! Love your video from BURGHLEY HOUSE ! We were enough to visit this mansion back in 2000 , what beautiful memories we have from there . Thank you for reminding us ❤️❤️

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure 😊

[@emmanuelsalvadorenriquez4893]

Beautiful video 📷

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@darrenshi9749]

Excellent video with fabulous narration!

[@Xploreheritage]

You are too kind Darren. Thanks so much 🙏

[@darrenshi9749]

@@Xploreheritage The video was full of details, easy to look at, and relaxing. Enjoy the rest of the month! From Warwickshire.

[@RaymondSmith-if6ge]

Hello Darren how are you doing today

[@buzzkincaid5521]

Treasure House for SURE!

[@carmenfoster6912]

I've always heard about this great house thank you for showing it to us

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@RaymondSmith-if6ge]

Hello Carmen how are you doing today

[@neighborhoodcatlady6094]

Love, love, love Burghley. ❤️

[@Xploreheritage]

Me too 😊

[@okiejammer2736]

LOVE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR and great style. Well done! New subscriber.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much 😊

[@chrisisjustme7546]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video... we were there yesterday what a stunning place! 👏

[@Xploreheritage]

Bless you! Thanks so much 🙏

[@almagrant9537]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing.

[@Xploreheritage]

Absolutely my pleasure 😊

[@adventuresforthecurious]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such informative and beautifully done videos. I am visiting England in 2024, and I wasn't familiar with Burghley House before yesterday, when it was suggested for a stop on my trip. You have given such an excellent overview, that I not only want to rewatch P&P, but also DaVinci Code so I can enjoy some of the opulent parts of the estate before I come visit! I am subscribing to your channel and will watch more of your videos!

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much 🙏. Really glad you enjoyed it!

[@youngandrestlessjean3634]

I know this opulent house from the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film. It is the setting of Lady Catherine De Bourgh's home.

[@greggdoty3076]

Goodness, those interiors are something. Whatever that Verrio guy got paid, it wasn't enough. You recommended to me that I add Burghley to my bucket list...and I believe I shall. Next time I get to the UK...

[@Xploreheritage]

It’s something else isn’t it!? Hope you enjoyed the video and get to visit this magnificent house one day!

[@tominessex1252]

thanks for such an insightful overview, it has given me a great foundation for my visit tomorrow

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure. Hope you enjoy!

[@rjmusicltd]

Burghley House was built by William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley KG PC (13 September 1520 - 4 August 1598) who was an English statesman, the chief adviser of Queen Elizabeth I for most of her reign, twice Secretary of State (1550-1553 and 1558-1572) and Lord High Treasurer from 1572. He modelled Burghley House on the once majestic and now lost Richmond Palace, which was a royal home to British royalty long before Buckingham Palace even existed. William Cecil frequented and stayed at Richmond Palace. As a mark of loyalty and in case he would receive the monarch as a guest, he cleverly modelled Burghley House on Richmond Palace, so the monarch would be in familiar surroundings and their court and entourage would seamlessly adapt to the surroundings. When one looks at Burghley House, one actually looks upon Richmond Palace.

[@peggyh4805]

Beautiful. Thanks. 🇺🇸💙

[@Xploreheritage]

🙏

[@RaymondSmith-if6ge]

Hello Peggy how are you doing today

[@RaymondSmith-if6ge]

Hello Peggy how are you doing today

[@beachcaving]

Thank you! Burghley is my favorite! Long Live King Charles III and HURRAH for the New Prince and Princess of Wales! ❤🇺🇸❤

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure. Burghley is definitely one of my favourites! Hear hear 🙌

[@RaymondSmith-if6ge]

Hello Sally how are you doing today

[@jenibylsma9845]

William Cecil was my 12th great grandfather on my father’s side. I live in Australia now having left the UK as a child, so it is thrilling to learn about some of my family’s history. Thank you so much … 😁

[@visionsinblue7093]

Mikey! You got a haircut! 😆 Great video mate!

[@Xploreheritage]

I have been known to get a hair cut from time to time 😂. Thanks very much mate!

[@charleshamilton9274]

Dude, you know I love your videos. You have the most engaging manner. Be that as it may, I always remember that old real estate maxim, “location, location, location.” I always wonder about these grand houses and where they sit, today. Sure, I may live in one of England’s grandest Grade 1-listed homes, but does my house sit across the street from an Aldi or public housing? I mean a lot can happen in a few hundred years. So, here’s my query: You may choose a three-hundred-year-old grade-listed pile which now abuts a Tesco or a new mansion in Surrey? Me? I will be in Surrey with my A/C. I am American after all and you’re most welcome to spend the summer…

[@katobrucelee08]

This is also the new Wayne Manor in The Flash

[@Xploreheritage]

Sure is 👍

[@CyrilYoutube]

I want that kind of house

[@jardon8636]

the seisyllt & ap tewdars= the cecils & tudors , were related , both are welsh nobilty, the CECILS , were regarded as very minor gentry in england, until the period of ELIZABETH I... Thomas Cecil, 1st Earl of Exeter, KG ( 1542 - 1623), known as the younger Lord Burghley from 1598 to 1605... Anne de Vere (née Cecil), Countess of Oxford (1556 -1588) Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, KG, PC (1563 - 1612) main residence hatfield house.... Edward Cecil, 1st Viscount Wimbledon (1572 - 1638) was an English military commander and a politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1601 and 1624

[@Wanamaker1946]

The sterling “wine cooler” is properly called a Monteith.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks for sharing David! It is certainly very beautiful 😊

[@husseinmuhammed828]

What’s the soundtrack in the background

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi there. There are actually three tracks, all from Epidemic Music. The first is called 'Air on the G String', the second 'A place to call home' and the last 'As history unfolds'. Hope you enjoyed!

[@husseinmuhammed828]

@@Xploreheritage thanks

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure!

[@fareshajjar1208]

If the title says Burghley House then the video should be about Burghley House. Instead we get: What is a house? Who was Lord Burghley and what was the history of his entire life?

[@kismit100]

HOUSE!!! You never say home, never, ever

[@ageofechochambers9469]

Grandest ?! What metric was used to give this luceferian temple that name ? Thats definitely a emotional unearned title.

[@Pogtato-kn6sf]

I thought burghley lived in Hometown

[@andreapotter9443]

ᵖʳᵒᵐᵒˢᵐ

[@johnbird2586]

Many people feel that it is best, to remain neutral, when it comes to The British Empire and its royal family!

[@trinitodbone]

WHAT THE HELL DO YOU KNOW BLOKE YOU ARE JUST A COMMONER

[@ChenchuahPresidentPrince]

Your try to talk in here place

[@georgesclermont1911]

I have never seen an uglier assembly of tacky murals, paintings and furniture. Compare this to Amboise, Chambord, or other French chateaux and see what elegance and beauty is all about.

[@Xploreheritage]

The decoration is certainly not to everyone’s tastes as I say. These murals are certainly impressive though, especially considering their age.

[@georgesclermont1911]

@@Xploreheritage I'll take the Rafael Stanza or the Sistine

[@Xploreheritage]

@@georgesclermont1911 Fair enough 👍