Hill Hall

About the museum

Hill Hall was built for the diplomat and scholar Sir Thomas Smith in two phases, in 1567-68 and 1572-73, on the site of an earlier medieval house. Smith drew on what he had seen of classical architecture in France, and the courtyard walls carry some of the earliest classical columns and friezes on a surviving building in Britain. The house was altered and extended several times over the following centuries, and the east front was rebuilt around 1714. The parkland was later laid out by Humphry Repton.

In the twentieth century the house had a series of unusual uses. During the Second World War it served as a prisoner-of-war camp, and early in the war mothers evacuated from the East End of London gave birth there. It later became a women's prison. A fire in 1969 destroyed most of the interior, but two sets of late 16th-century wall paintings on the first floor survived.

The wall paintings show mythical and biblical subjects and are among the most important surviving examples of Elizabethan figure painting in England. English Heritage cares for the building, which is listed Grade I and has been converted into private homes. Only the rooms with the paintings can be seen, on guided tours that must be booked in advance.

Highlights

• Rare 16th-century figurative wall paintings
• Two sets of paintings of mythical and biblical subjects
• Early classical columns and friezes in the courtyard
• Elizabethan mansion built for Sir Thomas Smith
• Grade I listed building

Permanent exhibition

• Elizabethan wall paintings – Two rare 16th-century sets of wall paintings with mythical and biblical subjects survive on the first floor and are the main feature of the guided tours.

Operated by

English Heritage

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is no lift and there are eight stairs between each landing, so wheelchair access is not advised. Visitors with limited mobility are advised to bring a companion. The car park is directly in front of the hall and there is some seating on the tour route. A site tour for visitors is available on request. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly

Pushchairs are allowed. The tour route has stairs and no lift.

Getting there & parking

Hill Hall is 3 miles south-east of Epping. The entrance is half a mile north of Theydon Mount Church. Satnav postcode CM16 7QQ.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

There are no refreshment facilities on site. Unisex toilets are available. For tour groups of 10 or more, the local church may serve tea and biscuits if contacted in advance.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit