House & Family History: Sir James Tyrrell was a devoted confidant of the Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III. According to Tyrrell family legend, the king ordered Tyrell to care for the sons of the late Edward IV (the juveniles King Edward V and the Duke of York, more commonly known as "The Princes in the Tower") at Gipping Hall between 1483 and 1484. This is ironic, as Sir James is known today for allegedly confessing to the murders of the princes under Richard's orders. Shakespeare portrays Sir James as the man who organizes the princes' murder in his play, "Richard III."

Garden & Outbuildings: Near the house is the rather grand St. Nicholas' Chapel, built 1474-80 as the private chapel of Sir James Tyrrell. It's a sardonic twist of history that the chapel is named after St. Nicholas of Myra (the 4th century bishop who is the patron saint of children) when one considers the role of Sir James in the murder of the princes in the tower. St. Nicholas' is used today as a free chapel, open to all.

House Listed: Demolished

Park Listed: Destroyed

Past Seat / Home of: Sir James Tyrrell, 15th century; Tyrrell family here until the 19th century.

Current Ownership Type: Demolished

Primary Current Ownership Use: Demolished

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No