A Home For The King's Lord Chamberlain

The Vyne Was Built For Lord Sandys, King Henry Viii’s Lord Chamberlain. 

- Susie Kearley

The house that stands today is a small part of a much larger Tudor building, built in the early 16th century by King Henry VIII’s Lord Chamberlain, William, 1st Lord Sandys. He entertained the king at his home on three separate occasions. William died in 1540, the family fortunes declined, and in 1653 the estate sold to Caloner Chute, the Speaker of the House of Commons in the Houses of Parliament. He modernized the house, demolishing two thirds of the Tudor building, and then ordered the construction of the north tower and the present range to the east. He commissioned architect John Webb to add a classical portico and installed sash windows. His grandson, John Chute, inherited the property in 1754 and he’s responsible for the gothic interiors.

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