 Somerleyton Hall
Essentially an early Victorian mansion, Somerleyton Hall was re-created from a Jacobean
manor house for Sir Morton Peto in the mid-19th century.
As a wealthy entrepreneur, keen to show off his 'new money', Sir Morton
employed John Thomas, a noted protégé of Sir Charles Barry, to embark
on the drastic transformation of the old Hall. Favouring the Italianate
architecture very much in vogue during this period, Thomas used his
skills as a sculptor and mason to enhance the soft, Caen stone used
to dress the red brick of the original house. Sumptuous décor was very
much a feature of Sir Morton's fine mansion, and the richly carved oak
in the entrance hall, offset with marble panels, highly patterned Minton
floor tiles and an unusually coloured stained-glass dome, must have
overwhelmed the unprepared visitor.
In the ballroom, formerly
a huge Banqueting Hall, a complete contrast of style, no less lavish,
was waiting to impress. Crisp, white sculptured marble acting as a perfect
foil to the deep crimson damask walls and the elaborate gilding, finished
with an elegantly designed ceiling. Maybe today's visitor will not find
it difficult to wonder why this flamboyant Victorian gentleman was declared
bankrupt in 1866. Visually, Somerleyton Hall has changed little since that
time, and remains a fine memorial to Thomas's craftsmanship. His work
is also very noticeable in the village of Somerleyton, where he rebuilt
the church and a large group of thatched cottages surrounding the village
green.
Sir Francis Crossley, the
son of a Yorkshire-based carpet manufacturer, purchased the Somerleyton
estate in 1863. Already owning substantial family property in Halifax,
a prominent local businessman, and an MP in Yorkshire, the recently
created Baronet used his Suffolk property merely as a country residence.
After his death, his wife chose to live at Somerleyton Hall on a more permanent
basis, and their only child, a son, was created Baron Somerleyton in
1916. Emulating his father's political and business interests, the estate
appears to have taken a back seat in his busy life, but when his own
son succeeded him in 1935, Somerleyton's activities became the priority.
Dedicated to the country
cause and the day-to-day administration of the vast estate, the 2nd
Baron was a most popular and respected squire. The present Lord Somerleyton
followed closely in his father's footsteps after inheriting the estate
in 1959. Well regarded by the Royal Family, he was first appointed a Lord-in-Waiting
to Queen Elizabeth II, and later became Master of the Horse. Along with
much family memorabilia on show from his predecessors, there is a unique
display of Ceremonials presented to Lord Somerleyton during his service
to the Queen.
Whilst continuing to play
an active role in the conservation of the house and grounds, Lord and
Lady Somerleyton clearly enjoy living in this magnificent house. There
is a genuine welcoming feel about the whole site, from the immaculate
gardens to the carefully maintained house, and this exudes a sense of
the Crossley family's pride in their home and their heritage. |
