History
Captain Matthew Martin
Alresford Hall was constructed in 1705 by Captain Matthew Martin, a renowned explorer and captain of The Marlborough.
He earned widespread acclaim for bravely defending his ship against two French warships, successfully returning to port with both his galleon and its valuable cargo.
As a reward for his heroism, he received a generous sum, which he used to build Alresford Hall.
Following his distinguished naval career, Captain Martin served as a local Member of Parliament and spent many years residing at Alresford Hall.
His daughter Mary Martin had a long standing relationship with a distant cousin at another grand mansion in nearby Wivenhoe, and original correspondence between them survives. This was the subject of an episode of “At Home with the Georgians” on BBC2, filmed at the house in 2010.
The estate originally extended to well over 3,000 acres and included moorings on the nearby estuary, an ice house, several farms, and a fishing lodge painted by Constable.
There is an original large Essex barn, an Old Granary and many other outbuildings on the estate. Today the estate covers around 200 acres. It is on the outskirts of a village, in a secluded and private setting.
The house and estate have been used for filming on several occasions, most recently in early 2025 for a feature length thriller film to be released in 2026.
Special Events
We can host a variety of events on our 200-acre estate, with ample parking, easy access, and full facilities including toilets, baby changing areas, food and licensed drink outlets.
With its secluded setting, elegant interiors and expansive yet peaceful surroundings, Alresford Hall is a sanctuary for those seeking something distinctive, intimate and rooted in history.
Contact Us
We'd love to hear about your requirements and we look forward to making your event a reality.