After the Dissolution, Henry VIII sold the Abbey to Sir William Sharington who in 1539 began work to transform it into a family home.

Sharington possessed excellent artistic taste, influenced by an early visit to Italy. In converting the nunnery he retained much of the medieval work, although the church was destroyed. He built an octagonal tower of three stories and added bizarre Renaissance chimneys. In the domestic vein he built a stable courtyard, which included a bakehouse and brewery.

Sir William Sharington had no children and was followed at Lacock by his brother Sir Henry. Henry's youngest daughter Olive, married Sir John Talbot of Salwasp in Worcestershire, and this family has been connected with the Abbey ever since.

Sir Willliam Sharington was from a wealthy Norfolk family, held various positions at court and was knighted at the coronation of Edward VI. In his role as Vice Treasurer of the Bristol Mint, Sharington was found to be clipping the coins in collusion with Lord Thomas Seymour. They were arrested in 1549. Sharington confessed, blamed Seymour who was later beheaded, and escaped with an attainder and forfeit of lands. Sometime later Sharington was presented with a royal pardon and upon the payment of £12,866 regained all of his lands including Lacock.