Situated just outside St Albans are the remains of Old Gorhambury House, a once immense mansion constructed in 1563-8 by the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, Sir Nicholas Bacon. A prolific builder, Sir Nicholas spent many years expanding and adapting the residence - the showpiece of which was undoubtedly an elaborate and expensive porch adorning the entrance. Over the years, the extensive building was sadly left to crumble, and visitors to the site may find it hard to visualise the estate as it would have looked during its heyday. However, the ruins that remain do give some indication of its grandeur, and make a visit to the site truly worthwhile.