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Clare Hall Manor was originally built as a private residence in 1745 by Thomas Roberts, who was a linen draper from St Albans. Roberts died bankrupt just two years after the house was completed, and his widow sold the estate. For the next 140 years, it was passed down through or sold to various families.
Like many manor houses, Clare Hall Manor underwent several architectural changes over the years. It was enlarged in 1797, and again in the mid-19th century.
In 1886, it passed to Theresa Southwell, Louisa Limes, Mary Morgan, and Henrietta Williams, who founded a Roman Catholic nunnery there and Clare Hall Manor became St Monica’s Priory.
In 1896 it was converted into a hospital, which it remained until 1974. After this, it was used by the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.
Today, it is a Grade II listed building, reflecting its architectural heritage.