KING HENRY & KNOLE ESTATE

The Knole estate, located in Sevenoaks, Kent, is one of England’s grand historic houses and holds a unique place in British history due to its connections with King Henry VIII and the

Tudor dynasty. This sprawling estate not only reflects the grandeur of the period but also serves as a symbol of the turbulent and transformative era of Henry VIII’s reign. Knole Estate is one of the many places we will visit on The Tudor Experience in September of 2025.

Origins & Architectural Grandeur of Knole

Constructed in the late 15th century by Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, Knole has an immensely rich history. The estate's architecture, showcasing late medieval and early Tudor influences, showcases multiple courtyards, crenellated walls, and a large deer park. Originally designed as an archiepiscopal palace, it aimed to exhibit the church's power and affluence. With its extensive size boasting over 365 rooms and seven courtyards, Knole ranks among the largest estates in England, earning it the moniker of a "calendar house."

Throughout its long existence, Knole has undergone substantial renovations and expansions, particularly in the early 16th century. This era coincided with Henry VIII's ambitious construction of palaces and hunting lodges, reshaping the English countryside. Henry's interest in estates like Knole underscored his aspiration to assert control over and appropriate the grandeur of the church and affluent aristocracy for the monarchy.

The Role of Knole in Henry VIII’s Reign

Knole’s direct link to Henry VIII began in 1538, during a time when the king was systematically amassing wealth and property from the Catholic Church through his Dissolution of the Monasteries. By seizing these properties, Henry not only aimed to consolidate power but also to enrich the Crown. Knole estate was one of the properties confiscated by the king from the archbishopric. This acquisition was a strategic move by Henry to consolidate his power over the English nobility and clergy, redistributing valuable lands and properties to gain influence over specific individuals.

Knole also became one of Henry’s beloved hunting lodges, a favorite pastime among all English royalty. The estate’s location and extensive deer park made it ideal for this purpose. Henry’s complete takeover of Knole is indicative of his desire to expand the Crown’s lands and transform religious properties into symbols of his ultimate power and rule, not only over the country, but over the church.

Knole’s Subsequent History and Legacy in the Tudor Era

After Henry VIII’s death, Knole remained a royal property, passing to his children. His daughter, Mary I used Knole, and later, under Queen Elizabeth I, it was granted to her cousin Thomas Sackville in 1566. Sackville’s acquisition of Knole established the long-standing relationship between the Sackville family and the estate, which continues to this day. The Sackvilles played a foundational role in preserving the estate, maintaining its historic architecture, and enhancing its legacy as a site of English heritage.

The Sackville family’s stewardship ensured that much of Knole’s Tudor character was preserved, including furniture, artwork, and decor. This preservation and protection makes Knole an important cultural and historical landmark that reflects the aesthetic and political dynamics of the Tudor period. Today, visitors can see remnants of Henry VIII’s reign, walk in his footsteps and witness firsthand his massive influence throughout the estate, particularly in the grand halls and state rooms that were designed to impress and showcase royal authority.

Knole estate serves as a testament to King Henry VIII’s impact on English society and culture. The estate’s connection to the King is another living example of the desire he had to control the church, the country and his people. Knole’s architecture and history showcase the transformation of English society under Henry’s rule and the Tudor dynasty. The preservation of Knole by the Sackville family has given all of us a living representation of Tudor era, offering insights into the ways estates like Knole shaped and molded the era’s power dynamics and royal ambitions.

Here is a great video overview of Knole Estate