Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge: Tudor Gem In Epping Forest
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, situated in the historic woodland of Epping Forest, is a hidden Tudor treasure.
Originally constructed in 1543 for Henry VIII, the lodge, then known as the ‘Great Standing,’ served as an open-sided viewing platform.
From its upper floors, guests could observe hunts and shoot deer.
The building was also converted to a house in 1666.
Now a three-storey building, the structure has undergone extensive restoration and functions as a museum, managed by the City of London Corporation since 1960.
Today, the structure is Grade II listed, making it of significant national importance.
Although built during Henry VIII's reign, the lodge is closely associated with Elizabeth I, the Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 until her death.
Elizabeth was a frequent visitor to the Royal Forest of Waltham and legend has it that on hearing of the defeat of the Armada she rode up the staircase of the lodge on her horse!
Historical evidence shows that the spaces between the studs on the upper floors were left open at breast height for the convenience of viewers.
Elizabeth I and James I both utilised the lodge, but it gradually fell out of use for its original purpose.
Known as the "Virgin Queen" due to her decision never to marry, Elizabeth's reign is often referred to as the Elizabethan Era, marked by a flourishing of English culture, particularly in literature and the arts.
Meanwhile, James I of England, also James VI of Scotland, was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and succeeded Elizabeth I, marking the beginning of the Stuart era.
His accession united the crowns of England and Scotland, though they remained separate sovereign states.
By the 18th century, the upper viewing spaces of Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge were filled in.
Today, the lodge operates as a popular museum and tourist attraction.
The ground floor features displays of Tudor food and kitchenware, while the upper floors showcase Tudor carpentry joints and costumes.
Visitors can also enjoy stunning views over Chingford Plain and Epping Forest, a vista that Tudor courtiers admired centuries ago.
It is also worth popping into the Epping Forest visitor centre next door as they have an interesting exhibition on Epping Forest and its history.
Throughout the year, the hunting lodge hosts various Tudor events, including historical reenactments and musical performances.
Reacting to the extensive restoration work on the building, which was restored circa 1900 and circa 199, someone said: “Ruined! Who on earth gave permission for it to be painted white!”
Another person added: “Think it was a Victorian fad to stain the timbers darker. Originally they would have been naturally light and had a creamy wash.
”The black and white look is Victorian.”
One of the most distinctive elements of Tudor architecture, particularly in domestic architecture, is the use of timber frames with wattle and daub or brick infill.
The black-and-white effect, created by the exposed dark wooden beams against white plaster, became a hallmark.
Ornamental chimneys, often with decorative brickwork, were a also a common feature, reflecting the increased use of fireplaces for heating.
Tudor architecture had a lasting impact, inspiring the later Tudor Revival architecture in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Someone who recently visited the structure to visit the museum, said “Step inside and you will find a banquet set out on a large oak table complete with a boar’s head, roasted game birds, loaves of bread and fruits of the forest.
”An Inglenook fireplace with logs aglow!”
”Look out through the leaded light windows across the meadow to the forest beyond. Spot the two deer grazing on the lawn.
”Climb up the oak staircase to large rooms with views out across the surrounding countryside.
”We were privileged to rehearse for The Giant Performance held under the old oak trees.
”Singing there was a magical experience and one could only wonder what it must have been like to hear minstrels entertaining Queen Elizabeth I and her courtiers after a hunt.”
Thank you for visiting Exploring GB, don’t forget to check out our latest blog post below!
