Holbein Porch

Holbein Porch is a Grade I listed garden pavilion that dates from after 1548 and before 1563. Originally, it served as the entrance to the house from the north of the courtyard and is said to have been designed by Hans Holbein, who died in 1543. The porch was relocated to its current position by Wyatt around 1800.

This impressive two-storey structure is square in plan and features freestanding corner columns that are set back and paired. It is highly ornamented and constructed of ashlar stone, with rebated corners. The ground floor showcases Ionic columns, while the first floor features Corinthian columns, both of which are fluted and reeded. The ground floor has a plinth and bases, and the entablature of the ground floor serves as a plinth for the first floor.

The porch is adorned with elaborate cresting that includes coupled fan pediments, griffins, and urns. Each facade has a central panel displaying arms and two busts in roundels on the first floor. The ground floor has entrances on three sides, each with elaborate architraves. Inside, there is a moulded cornice supported by bracket corbels beneath seven three-centred moulded ribs, which feature central pendants. Traces of colour can still be seen within the interior.