Old Campden House: Jacobean Grandeur and Ruins in Chipping Campden

Origins of a Jacobean Masterpiece

Old Campden House was commissioned by Sir Baptist Hicks, a self-made mercer and financier who rose to prominence in early 17th-century England. After acquiring the manors of Campden and surrounding lands in 1610, Hicks began construction of this grand mansion in 1612, reflecting his wealth and status. The house showcased the latest architectural fashions of the Jacobean era, built from local Cotswold stone, and was complemented by extensive ornamental gardens covering about ten acres.

Architectural Features and Estate Layout

The mansion was notable for its Italianate style and elaborate details, including twisted spiral chimneys and a domed cupola with a lantern that served as a beacon for travelers. Flanking the main house were two separate banqueting houses with ornate strapwork parapets, designed as private retreats for family and guests. The estate also featured lodges crowned with distinctive ogee domes, and a smaller building known as the Almonry, whose exact purpose remains uncertain but may have served as a garden pavilion or household office.

The Civil War and the House’s Demise

During the English Civil War, Old Campden House became a Royalist garrison under Colonel Henry Bard in 1643. Bard's troops occupied the house and caused considerable distress to the local population. In 1645, as Royalist forces withdrew, the house was deliberately set on fire, reportedly on orders from Prince Rupert, leaving only a shell of the original structure. The stone from the ruins was likely repurposed in local buildings, and the once-grand mansion was reduced to fragments.

Surviving Remnants and Historical Legacy

Today, visitors can explore the remains of Old Campden House, including the banqueting houses, lodges with their ogee domes, and the raised garden terraces. These surviving elements provide valuable insight into the scale and style of the original estate. The site also holds archaeological interest, with earthworks and garden features hinting at the lost grandeur. The house’s history is intertwined with the rise of a mercantile elite in Jacobean England and the turbulent events of the mid-17th century.

Sir Baptist Hicks: Merchant, Financier, and Patron

Sir Baptist Hicks was a key figure in early 17th-century England, known for his mercantile success supplying luxury textiles to the royal court and his investments in the American colonies. His acquisition and development of Campden reflected both his wealth and his desire to cement social status through grand architecture. Hicks’s legacy includes not only Old Campden House but also his contributions to the town’s history and the wider economic landscape of the period.

Visiting and Appreciating the Site Today

While the main house no longer stands, the site of Old Campden House remains a poignant historical landmark. The surviving structures and garden terraces invite reflection on Jacobean architecture and the impact of the Civil War on English country houses. The location offers scenic views over Chipping Campden and the surrounding Cotswold countryside, making it a site of both cultural heritage and natural beauty.