This blog post was updated on October 31, 2018.
Sutton House is a Grade II* listed Tudor manor house on Homerton High Street in the east London borough of Hackney.
The historic house is owned by the National Trust and is the oldest surviving domestic building in Hackney.
Open to the public, it’s a wonderful place to visit for travelers arriving on flights to London. Sutton House offers a trip through the ages from the Tudor era to the present day with significant stops in time along the way.
Sutton House was built in 1535 and first known as “Bryck Place.” Originally the home to Sir Ralph Sadlier, Principal Secretary of State to Henry VIII, the house is one of very few examples of a Tudor period red brick building.
Through the years, it has been the home of merchants, sea captains, Huguenot immigrants, clergy and even punks looking for a place to squat. All left there mark here, from the Georgian era frontage of the house which still remains today to the 1980s graffiti mural left in the loft. Oak panelling, Tudor windows, carved fireplaces, a cellar converted into a chapel for “wayward men” and a restored Tudor era kitchen – the tale of Sutton House and its successive occupants unfolds in fascinating style.
The last residents of Sutton House were a group of squatter who were evicted in the late 80s. After that, the building fell into disrepair. Thanks to the efforts of local activists and their “Save Sutton House” campaign, the building was rescued and renovated. Restoration was completed in 1993 with the house opening fully to the public in 1994.
Today, the house is owned by the National Trust, an independent charity protecting more than 350 historic houses, gardens and ancient monuments in the United Kingdom that are all open to the public. Entry to Sutton House costs £3 (about $5) for adults, £1 for children and £6.90 for a family. In addition to admission to explore Sutton House, a range of all ages events are held throughout the year including craft fairs, themed family days and monthly Sunday guided tours from February to November. There’s a lovely little cafe/tearoom as well with freshly made snacks and meals served at reasonable prices. The house’s courtyard is perhaps one of the most tranquil spots in all of east London.
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