Could this unassuming house have once held a royal prisoner? Look at Lauderdale House. It stands today as a testament to London’s rich history. This beautiful house was originally built in 1582 for Sir Richard Martin, a man who served as Lord Mayor of London three times. Lauderdale House has seen its fair share of notable figures within its walls.
In 1611, Lady Arabella Stuart, a potential claimant to the throne, found herself a prisoner within Lauderdale House. Her crime? Daring to marry William Seymour, another contender for the throne, against the wishes of King James I. Held here for six days before being moved, Lady Arabella’s story is just one of the many intriguing chapters in Lauderdale House’s long history.
The house later came into the possession of John Maitland, the 2nd Earl of Lauderdale. A significant figure in his time, the Earl served as an advisor to King Charles I and later governed Scotland under the rule of King Charles II. It is believed that during this time, King Charles II may have used Lauderdale House as a secret meeting place to rendezvous with his famous mistress, Nell Gwyn.
The passage of time and a devastating fire in 1963 left their mark on Lauderdale House. However, thanks to the efforts of the Lauderdale House Society, the house was restored to its former glory and now serves as a vibrant arts and education center.