Hinchingbrooke House

Hinchinbrooke House is a Grade I listed building that originally served as an Augustinian nunnery, which was suppressed in 1538. Between that time and 1627, the house was largely rebuilt and extended by the Cromwell family. A significant fire in 1830 led to restoration and rebuilding by architect Blore, with further restorations occurring in 1894 and again in the 1960s. During the latest restoration, the entrance to the chapter house was uncovered, although little of the medieval structure remains visible today.

The building is irregular in shape and consists of two and three storeys, constructed from stone and ancient brick. Blore's rebuilding was primarily in stone, while a large wing added in 1894 is made of brick with stone dressings. The house features a castellated design throughout and is adorned with numerous tall Tudor-style chimneys. The kitchen wing to the north showcases timber-framed gables.

One of the most notable external features is the semi-circular bow window of the library, which is dated 1602 on the parapet. This window originally had an open loggia on the ground floor and was relocated and reconstructed by Blore in 1830. Other canted bays also appear to be part of Blore's work.

Inside, the main rooms were entirely rebuilt by Blore, predominantly in a Jacobean style. Some earlier fittings remain, including the main staircase panelling by Vennard from around 1663 and the library chimney piece dated 1580. Additionally, there is an exquisite staircase from Rolls Park, installed during the 1960s restoration by Marshall Sisson, which is richly carved and dates from the late 17th century.