Sudbury Hall – Jewel of Jacobean Architecture

Sudbury's Museum of Childhood & Stately Mansion

Aug 21, 2008 Christine Fadhley

Sudbury Hall, seat of the Vernon family since the 16th Century, is a perfect example of Jacobean art and architecture. The Children will love the Museum of Childhood.

Sudbury Hall is in the English county of Derbyshire, famous for stately homes like Chatsworth, Hardwick Hall and Calke Abbey.

Unlike many of the stately mansions of this era, it shows no sign of crumbling grandeur, having been kept in reasonably good order by the owners. It has been fully restored since its adoption by The National Trust.

Death Duties

Following the death of the 9th Lord Vernon in 1967, the duties payable to Her Majesty’s Government meant that the family could no longer afford to keep the Sudbury property. It was decided by John Lawrence, the 10th Lord Vernon, to hand the house and estate over to the Treasury.

Unfortunately much of the furniture, books and other art works had already been sold off to pay earlier death duties in the 1920s leaving the house somewhat bereft of original furniture.. Some of the proceeds of that sale were used by the 9th Lord Vernon to maintain Sudbury Hall at that time. This investment no doubt helped to stave off dilapidation.

The Costs of Restoration

The cost of restoring and redecorating Sudbury Hall in 1967 was met by the Historic Buildings Council and Derbyshire County Council, which also created the Museum of Childhood in the Devey wing in 1974. Restoration made the house lighter and brighter than it had been in the 19th century, when due to reversals in the fortunes of the Vernon family, it had been let to tenants for a period.

Gems of Sudbury Hall

The house has fine examples of the work of some of the greatest artists of the 17th century. Possibly the most notable are the realistic wood carvings of Grinling Gibbons that decorate the Drawing Room. The house is a riot of complex plasterwork ceilings by Bradley & Pettifer and highly ornate swags and cornucopia, many attributed to Edward Pierce. The overall effect is rich and luxurious.

Murals and Portraits

The house exhibits a fine collection of portraits of the Vernon family and notable figures of the day, including work by Joshua Reynolds and Louis Laguerre (whose work is also on display at Chatsworth House). Louis Laguerre - an artist fashionable among the elite of the period - was commissioned to replace earlier murals and ceilings by local artists.

Below Stairs

Visit the 1930’s kitchen and see how things used to be below stairs. This is in stark utilitarian contrast to the luxury of the family apartments above.

The Museum of Childhood

The Service Wing of the house is now home to the Sudbury Museum of Childhood. The toys on view span from Egyptian times to the modern era.

Send your youngsters "up the chimney" to give them an idea what it was like in Victorian times. Children are encouraged to follow the “Mouse Trail” and there are activity packs to help them enjoy the visit and make it more memorable.

Amenities:

• There is transport from the overspill car park to the House; you can either wait for the motorised buggy or on some days you can opt to take a carriage ride.
• The licensed Coach House Tea Room serves meals and snacks. There is a toy shop and a National Trust gift shop.
• There are baby-changing and feeding facilities.
• Front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats, reins and indoor buggies can be borrowed.

How to Get There

Sudbury House is approached from the A50 between Burton on Trent and Uttoxeter. There is ample parking which is free.

Amenities

During the Summer holidays the hall is open daily. Tours are available at 11.00 am and 12.00 pm. At other times of the year the hall is closed on Monday and Tuesday unless it is a Bank Holiday.

For full opening times consult the Sudbury Hall Web Site.

The copyright of the article Sudbury Hall – Jewel of Jacobean Architecture in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Christine Fadhley. Permission to republish Sudbury Hall – Jewel of Jacobean Architecture in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Jacobean Diamond Brickwork and Family Crest	Ornate Front Door of Sudbury Hall	Front View of the House and Gardens
Toys on Sale in the Toy Shop

Comments

Sep 14, 2008 8:24 AM

Guest :

I really enjoyed your commentry about the Hall very interested in the history of historic houses and you have answered many questions for me. Thank you.
Lin Jones

Sep 21, 2009 6:38 PM

Guest :

My mother was governess for Lord and Lady Vernon's grandchildren in the early 1950's. She recalls time spent at Haddon Hall. Memories of the Hall of Portraits, the beautiful staircase, the kindness of the Vernon family and more. I'd have to ask her for details, but this is what I remember her telling me. I would love to visit Haddon Hall with my mother sometime in the near future. 6,000 miles is too far to travel, is it?

Sep 22, 2009 8:16 AM

Guest :

My mother was governess for Lord and Lady Vernon's grandchildren in the early 1950's. She recalls time spent at Haddon Hall. Memories of the Hall of Portraits, the beautiful staircase, the kindness of the Vernon family and more. I'd have to ask her for details, but this is what I remember her telling me. I would love to visit Haddon Hall with my mother sometime in the near future. 6,000 miles is too far to travel, is it?

Sep 22, 2009 8:18 AM

Guest :

My mother was governess for Lord and Lady Vernon's grandchildren in the early 1950's. She recalls time spent at Haddon Hall. Memories of the Hall of Portraits, the beautiful staircase, the kindness of the Vernon family and more. I'd have to ask her for details, but this is what I remember her telling me. I would love to visit Haddon Hall with my mother sometime in the near future. 6,000 miles is too far to travel, is it?

4 Comments