Highlights of Sudbury Hall
Sudbury Hall tells the story of a house designed and built as a showpiece for 17th-century craftsmanship. George Vernon created the spirit of the Restoration period at Sudbury which has stood the test of time to be enjoyed today. These are some of the things you shouldn't miss on your visit round the Hall.
Long Gallery
It is unusual to find a Long Gallery in a Charles II house but this room is one of the most magnificent features inside the house.
It’s just over 167 feet (51m) long and includes many family portraits. Fans of the 1996 BBC ‘Pride and Prejudice’ adaptation will recall the room being used as the place where Elizabeth sets eyes on Darcy’s painting.
Staircase
The Great Staircase is considered one of the finest in a country house and we believe was designed by Sir George Vernon himself.
The plasterwork on the ceiling includes garlands of fruit, flowers and palm branches.
Grinling Gibbons carvings in the drawing room
A work by celebrated wood carver Grinling Gibbons is found in the Drawing Room.
The fine carving over the chimneypiece was created in 1678 and for which, Lord Vernon paid just £40. It depicts dead game and fish as well as fruits and flowers.
Ceiling paintings
Don’t forget to look up when you visit. There are many painted ceilings to marvel at by skilled craftsmen such as Louis Laguerre. The Great Staircase is just one magnificent example.
1930s Kitchen
This kitchen was remodelled when the 9th Lord Vernon returned to live at Sudbury as it was closer to the dining room, so a better chance of getting a hotter meal.
Enjoy a game of billiards
At first glance, you may think that the Billiard Room is still being restored but it’s shown uncompleted as that’s how it was left by the family.
We believe there was once a billiard table in the Great Hall but have recently installed a table here for you to enjoy a game.
Lady Vernon painting by Gainsborough
In Lady Vernon’s sitting room is the painting of the 1st wife of the 2nd Lord Vernon Louisa Barbara Mansel.
They married in 1757 and had four children but separated in 1775.
Intimate family rooms
The Vernon family have lived at Sudbury Hall for over 300 years. Near to the grand state rooms are the more intimate family rooms decorated in the 18th and 19th-century fashions.
A great contrast to the state rooms but they perfectly illustrate family life.
Walk in the footsteps of Mr Darcy
The interiors of Sudbury Hall were used in the BBCs 1996 adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ as the inside of Pemberley.
The long gallery, the Great Staircase, the Saloon, the Library, the Cross Passage and the Queens Bedroom were all used.
