More information : [SK 5841 0607] Cavendish House.
Following the Dissolution, the Abbey and conventual buildings (see SK 50 NE 3) having passed through various hands came, in 1562, into those of Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon, who built a mansion there out of the old materials. In 1613 it was acquired by William Cavendish, first Earl of Devonshire and subsequently became known as Cavendish House. During the Civil War it served as the headquarters of Charles I before Naseby, after which it was plundered and burned by royal troops. The extant remains comprising what is known as the Gateway of Cavendish House probably occupy the site of the original entrance to the Abbey. (1-2) The extant remains of Cavendish House consist of the 'Gateway' of which only the outside wall remains, and an adjoining shell to the west. A wall, possibly contemporary, links the ruins with later buildings to the south west. It has the appearance of a perimeter wall. See GP OS 53/107/2 - CAVENDISH HOUSE (GATEWAY) from N. (3) 1. 5304 ABBEY PARK Remains of Cavendish House SK 50 NE 14/139A 5.1.50 2. Circa 1600, burnt in 1645. Reputed to have been built from remains of the Abbey. Remaining : one tall stone rubble wall with stone mullioned and transomed windows, with round-arch light at centre. Also fragments of the other walls. Late C19 addition. (4)
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