Elizabeth I orders a survey of the Manor. This shows that there were 200 door keys missing – giving an indication of the size of the Palace!
In 1596 Her Commissioners reported that Otford woylde not be fytt for her majestie to lye in for that yt standeth in a verie wett soyle upon strong water continually ronninge under yt.
Robert Sydney made an offer to purchase the Palace saying that he would build a house in the Park for Elizabeth I to use.