Explore Sudbury Hall

This year we're exploring Sudbury's past, present and future; looking at how the Hall was created, what changes happened to make it look the way it does today and asking you to share what you think it will look like in the future. 

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.

Look up and admire the amazing plasterwork running the enitre length of the room. 

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.

Still to come...

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.