An 1833 engraving of the House
Earlier Houses: The House was built on the foundations of a 13th century Augustinian priory.
Built / Designed For: Richard Rich, 1st Baron Rich.
House & Family History: The 1st Lord Rich acquired the Leez Estate after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and built a mansion on the site, possibly incorporating some of the earlier priory (the Rich family later became earls of Warwick). The Montagus, earls of Manchester, acquired Leez in 1768. Guy's Hospital eventually acquired the property and destroyed most of the mansion. M.E. Hughes-Hughes purchased the property in the early 20th century and restored the House. Leez was the first country house in England licensed to conduct civil marriage ceremonies.
Garden & Outbuildings: The House is today set in 40 acres of parkland.
Country Life: XXXV, 486 plan, 1914.
Title: Burke's & Savills Guide to Country Houses, Volume III: East Anglia
Author: Kenworthy-Browne, John; Reid, Peter; Sayer, Michael; Watkin, David
Year Published: 1981
Publisher: London: Burke's Peerage
ISBN: 0850110351
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: Richard Rich, 1st Baron Rich, 16th century; Robert Rich, 1st Earl of Warwick, 17th century. Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester, 17th century. M.E. Hughes-Hughes, early 20th century. Alan Brush, late 20th century.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Wedding & Event Venue
Ownership Details: Today a member of the Country House Weddings Group
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Phone: 01245-362-555
Fax: 01245-361-079
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.leez-priory.co.uk
Historic Houses Member: No