An 1826 hand-colored lithograph of the first house (demolished), as it appeared in the 17th century, from "Historical Antiquities of Hertfordshire."
Earlier Houses: An earlier 17th century house (circa 1655), Stagenhoe Manor House (the first house; see "Images" section), was destroyed by fire on November 29, 1737 and replaced by the current house (the second house).
Built / Designed For: Giles Thornton-Heysham
House & Family History: Sir Arthur Sullivan, of Gilbert & Sullivan fame, rented Stagenhoe as a summer retreat between 1884 and 1886. Here Sir Arthur wrote his "Golden Legend" opera and "The Mikado." During World War II Stagenhoe was a maternity hospital; after the war the house became a boys' prep school. In 1969 Stagenhoe was purchased by Sue Ryder Care for use as a nursing home.
House Listed: Grade II
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT FIRST HOUSE: John Hale, until 1672. Sir John Austen, 2nd Bt., until 1699; Sir Robert Austen, 3rd Bt., 1699-1703. Robert Heynsham, 1703-23. SEATED AT SECOND HOUSE: Giles Thornton-Heysham, 1740-67; Thornton-Heysham family here until 1833. Rogers family, mid-19th century. James Sinclair, 14th Earl of Caithness, 1869-81. Sir Arthur Sullivan (as tenant), 1884-86.
Current Ownership Type: Charity / Nonprofit
Primary Current Ownership Use: Hospital / Care Home / Recovery Center
Ownership Details: Today a Sue Ryder specialist neurological care center
House Open to Public: No
Phone: 01438-871-215
Fax: 01438-871-083
Website: http://www.suerydercare.org
Historic Houses Member: No