The estate was granted to Sir Christopher Hatton in 1577 after a commission was set up by Queen Elizabeth I, headed by John Aylmer (Bishop of London) to investigate the claims that Sir Christopher Hatton should be granted the freehold of the land after he acquired a 21 years lease on the estate and spent a sum of the £1,887 5s 8d () on renovations and repairs. The commission declared in June 1577 that Ely Place should stay with Bishop Cox if he could reimburse Sir Christopher Hatton in whole for the outlay but he could not.
In 1577, Queen Elizabeth I established a commission led by John Aylmer (Bishop of London) to investigate claims about Sir Christopher Hatton's right to the freehold of Ely Place.  Hatton had leased the land for 21 years and spent £1,887 5s 8d on renovations. The commission ruled that if Bishop Cox could reimburse Hatton in full for his expenses, Ely Place would remain with him. However, Bishop Cox was unable to do so.