Visiting Sutton House is like stepping back in time and feeling history surround you – it’s as if you’ve become a character from the past yourself.
It did help that we were given traditional Victorian and Tudor costumes to wear while we were shown around. Winter is a nice time to go and visit because it adds to the spooky atmosphere – and it makes you appreciate your heavy cloaks even more!
We had a tour of the whole house, which was built in 1535 by Ralph Sadleir – Secretary of State to Henry VIII – and is the oldest residential building in Hackney. We really liked the room upstairs with the wooden wall panels which opened up to show the original Tudor brickwork and decorations. There was also a Victorian nursery with an original child’s cot and a harpsichord.
We were surprised to find out that the Victorians kept their clothes in the ‘garderobe’ – otherwise known as a toilet! This was because the smell was said to ward off moths and flies which would destroy their clothes. The kitchen smelled really nice because of all the fresh herbs and fruit they keep in there.
There were also mystery drawers that you can put your hand in and guess what’s inside – we found things like an hour-glass, a rubber rat, a wooden plate and a mortar for grinding herbs and spices. One of the best things about the house is that it’s very interactive – you can touch the furniture and there aren’t any barriers in front of the exhibits.
In the basement of the house is a small draughty chapel, which holds the ‘spirits’ of the house. Several ghosts are said to haunt Sutton House. The Lady in Blue was a Tudor who had a very dramatic divorce from her husband and her heartbroken soul still wanders the rooms.
The Lady in White was a Victorian head teacher at the Girls’ School for Etiquette which used to be based at Sutton House. She was said to be a strict, horrible headmistress who beat her students – and her ghost is rumoured to be pretty scary too!
Finally there are the three vicious dogs or wolves – which you can see carved into the nursery fireplace and other places in the house. No one has any idea where or when they came from, but people who have lived in the house, including the current custodian, have heard them howling at night! You can find out more on one of Sutton House’s Ghost Tours.
Sutton House is more attractive and welcoming than your typical National Trust property because it supports community work, runs lot of activities for young people, and aims to attract local families from Hackney. This also means it’s very cheap to visit, and they even have some free days for families. If you haven’t checked it out, you’re missing out on a unique experience.
At this time of year there are also lots of seasonal events to get you in the mood for Christmas. The Christmas Craft Fair takes place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December, with activities as well as great opportunities for Christmas shopping.
The following weekend (8th-9th) there is a festive theatre performance from Hen’s Theatre Company and the weekend after (15th) the Psallite Women’s Choir lead a Family Christmas Carols sing-along, followed by a concert from the Choir.
On Sunday 16th there is a free Family Day looking at the traditions of Christmas. You can get more information at the number below.
Sutton House is located at 2 & 4 Homerton High St, E9 6JQ. For more information phone 020 8986 2264.
About this article
This story was written by Gloire Ammany, 18, Ziyad Said-Wardell, nine, Mary McCarthy, 18 and Sarra Said-Wardell, 12. It was published in Hackney Today (pdf).
