Kentwell Hall is a superlative moated Tudor manor, built in the early 16th century by the Clopton family. John Clopton became wealthy in the wool trade; so wealthy that he was able to build nearby Long Melford church, one of the most extravagant medieval "wool churches" in all of England. The exterior of Kentwell has changed little from the house that Clopton built, though a great deal has been done to renovate and refurbish the interior over the years.
Kentwell Hall presents a wonderful sight, its open courtyard facing onto a moat stocked with carp, its two wings reaching almost to the water's edge. The moat is crossed via a low bridge giving onto the courtyard, where a Tudor Rose maze has been recreated. The interior of Kentwell has been much restored, including a working Tudor kitchen and Hall with minstrels gallery.
A variety of estate buildings flank the house, including a bakehouse, dairy, brewhouse, and a part timbered Moat House dating to the turn of the 16th century. The extensive grounds surrounding Kentwell feature box and yew topiary, a Camera Obscura, a walled garden laid out in 17th-century style, and enjoyable woodland walks.
Living History
Kentwell did much to popularize domestic "living history" reenactments in the UK and the reenactments remain an essential part of Kentwell's appeal, with the current focus being on Re-creations of everyday life in the Tudor or WWII eras. The latter may seem odd until you realize that Kentwell was requisitioned by the Army for use during the war years.
Kentwell hosts an annual recreation of Tudor life that covers three weeks each June and July, as well as shorter weekend events throughout the year. See the Kentwell website (below) for details of upcoming recreations.
About Kentwell Hall
Address: Long Melford,
Sudbury,
East Anglia,
Suffolk,
England, CO10 9BA
Attraction Type: Historic House
Location: between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury, off A134
Website: Kentwell Hall
Historic Houses Association
Location
map
OS: TL864 479
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Historic Time Periods:
Find other attractions tagged with:
16th century (Time Period) - 17th century (Time Period) - Medieval (Time Period) - moat (Historical Reference) - Tudor (Time Period) -
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Long Melford, Holy Trinity Church - 0.8 miles (Historic Church)
Melford Hall - 1.1 miles (Historic House)
Shimpling, St George's Church - 2.1 miles (Historic Church)
Lavenham, St Peter and St Paul's Church - 3.2 miles (Historic Church)
Lavenham Guildhall - 3.3 miles (Historic Building)
Little Hall - 3.3 miles (Museum)
Cavendish, St Mary's Church - 3.7 miles (Historic Church)
Chilton, St Mary's Church - 3.8 miles (Historic Church)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Kentwell Hall:
Great Waldingfield, Suffolk
Sleeps: 8
Stay from: £790 - 2488