Melford Hall

Melford Hall is a fine example of a turreted Tudor manor house built in the mid-16th century incorporating parts of an earlier manor house. It was built for Sir William Cordell, a successful lawyer, whose flexible approach to public affairs enabled him to serve Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary Tudor and Elizabeth I, who stayed at Melford in 1578. It was bought by Sir Harry Parker in 1786. The east front of the house boasts a magnificent Renaissance 2-storey porch with Doric and Ionic fluted pilasters. Although Melford has undergone a number of significant changes –it was altered, for instance, from a courtyard to an E-plan – the exterior still retains much of its Elizabethan flavour. In 1813, interior alterations were made by Thomas Hopper for Sir William Parker, including an ornate classical Regency library and Greek revival staircase. A rare octagonal Tudor pavilion built of brick graces the garden.

Melford Hall, Suffolk

This collection has 753 items online

A Tudor country house built in typical red brick with a moat and deer park, Melford Hall has been the home of the Hyde Parker family since 1786, and the rooms in the house follow the changing styles from Jacobean through Georgian, Regency and Victorian. Reflecting four generations of Captains and Admirals in the family, a significant collection of maritime paintings by Dominic Serres dominates the Regency Library. Chinese porcelain of the Qianlong period is displayed throughout the house.

View full collection