Ingatestone Hall is a 16th century Tudor manor built by Sir William Petre, who was Secretary of State to four Tudor monarchs. During her Royal Progress in 1561 Elizabeth I actually stayed in the manor for a few days. Sir William's descendants still live in the house which is open to the public. Visitors can see furniture, family portraits and other pictures accumulated over the centuries, together with memorabilia spanning fifteen generations of Petres; there are also two priests' hiding-places. There is a tea room and gift shop with delightful gardens set in 10 acres. The stewpond is as old as the house.