Glemham Hall

Glemham Hall is an attractive Elizabethan manor, built by the de Glemham family in 1560. Outside the house is a lovely walled rose garden, wide lawns edged by yew hedges, a lily pond, and a summerhouse to enjoy. The estate includes 300 acres of parkland and regularly hosts events including open-air opera and theatre performances, and a country fair.

History

The earliest reference to the de Glemham family is in 1228. The family prospered greatly in the Tudor period and purchased both the Glemham Hall estate and the neighbouring property of Benhall. Sir Henry Glemham created a new early Renaissance Hall at Glemham. Sir Henry's son, Thomas, was killed in the Civil War.

In 1708 the estate was sold to Dudley North. Dudley was married to Catherine, daughter of Elihu Yale, founder of Yale University in America.

Yale lavished gifts on his daughter and her family, and as a result, Glemham Hall is filled with many fine art objects from the early 18th century. The house was altered between 1722-1727 to create an elegant Georgian facade.

Glemham Hall stayed in the North family for over 200 years until the male line ended in 1764 with the death of another Sir Dudley North. The estate passed to Sir Dudley's sister, Mrs Herbert, who left Glemham to her nephew, Dudley Long. When Long died in 1829 the estate reverted to the North family and was owned by the 8th Earl of Guildford. The estate finally passed to the Cobbold family in 1923 and it is still owned by the Cobbolds today.

I had the pleasure to explore the Hall outside opening hours and found it a delight; a very 'lived-in' house, without any of the stuffy elegance that too often characterises popular stately homes. This is a family home with a fascinating history, full of historic interest. The gardens, too, are a treat to explore, and set off the house perfectly.