In 1603 Audley Inn (see cache Audley End - Sir Thomas Audley) was demolished by Thomas Howard, the 1st Earl of Suffolk. He built a vast house on the site which was set around two courtyards. This new house was called Audley End House.
By 1614 Thomas Howard had become Lord Treasurer to James I; and had completed work on the house at a reputed cost of £200,000. James I visited Audley End and is said to have remarked "the building is too large for a King, but it might do for a Lord Treasurer".
However, in 1618 Thomas Howard was removed from office on suspicion of embezzlement and died in 1626 leaving large debts.
This cache can be combined with our other caches Audley End - Sir Thomas Audley, WW2 at Audley End - Tank Barrier and WW2 at Audley End - Station 43 to make a circular walk around the house and grounds of 2 miles. There are some lovely views of the house and surrounding area. There is no charge as the walk does not enter the English Heritage owned property. If walking from Sir Thomas Audley to Thomas Howard or vice versa there is a small stream to cross by stepping stones at N52.01.329 E000.13.715; however this can be avoided by walking a slightly longer way round to the east on the footpaths. This area can get quite muddy and boggy after rain.