Sutton House: A Tudor Gem with a Haunting Past

Sutton House, a Tudor-style home in London, stands as the sole survivor of its kind. This 500-year-old house invites visitors to delve into its rich history, complete with tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained drops in temperature.

Located in History:

Located between Hackney Central and Homerton Overground stations, Sutton House boasts a multitude of rooms adorned with oak paneling, grand halls, and sturdy fireplaces. Now managed by the National Trust, the house regularly hosts events for the local community.

A Look Back at Sutton House's Past:

• Ralph Sadlier's Home: Built in 1535 by Ralph Sadlier, a close confidante of Thomas Cromwell during King Henry VIII's reign, the house was Sadlier's home. While residing there, he studied Latin, Greek, and French, honing his skills and embarking on diplomatic missions to strengthen ties between England and Scotland. It was within these walls that he met Helen Barre, the house cook who later became his wife.
• Captain John Milward's Tapestry: In 1627, the house was purchased by Captain John Milward, a silk merchant from the East India Company. He and his wife, Anne, filled the house with imported silk furnishings, including a commissioned trompe l'oeil staircase painted to impress their guests. However, the value of silk began to decline in the 1630s as American cotton grew in popularity, leading Milward to mortgage the house to his business partners.
• A Divided Home: In 1751, John Cox acquired Sutton House and split it into two properties: Ivy House and Milford House. Ivy House was inhabited by Victorian lawyer Charles Pulley for approximately 40 years, while Milford House served as a girls' academy.
• A Place of Gathering: In 1891, the entire house was used by St. John's Church Institute. For over 40 years, it served as a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds. The National Trust took ownership just before World War II.

Whispers from Beyond:

• Eerie Encounters: The National Trust has uncovered numerous historical artifacts during the restoration of the property, including a few chilling occurrences. In the 1990s, an architecture student witnessed a woman in blue levitate before his eyes. Years later, a National Trust custodian experienced the same haunting.
• Unexplained Phenomena: Visitors have reported sudden drops in temperature within the house, while others have seen objects flying across rooms. Some believe these occurrences are related to a conflict between the silk weavers, Timothy Ravenhill and George Garratt, who worked at the property.
• A Dog's Perspective: Even a guide dog has reportedly stopped walking in specific rooms, adding to the paranormal activity.
• A Touch of the Past: A housekeeper claimed to have felt thin hair brushing her hand at night, potentially linked to three dogs kept by John Machell, a wool merchant who resided in the house during the 16th century.

Exploring Sutton House:

• A Tudor Gem: The Tudor house boasts numerous rooms to explore, featuring oak paneling and grand fireplaces. There's also a small courtyard and a large hall.
• The Breaker's Yard: This award-winning open space invites visitors to wander freely.
• The Grange: This unique, two-story caravan made from salvaged parts of old 1970s vans is located in the yard. The caravan is filled with salvaged items from grand houses.

The National Trust website lists the events held at Sutton House. A visit to the house will cost you \u00a35.50 (approximately $7.20) for adults, while a guided tour will cost \u00a39 (approximately $11.80) per adult.

What was Sutton House originally built for?

Sutton House was originally built as the home of Ralph Sadlier, a close confidante of Thomas Cromwell during King Henry VIII's reign.

Who owned Sutton House after Ralph Sadlier?

Captain John Milward, a silk merchant from the East India Company, purchased Sutton House in 1627.

How did the value of silk affect Sutton House?

The value of silk began to decline in the 1630s as American cotton grew in popularity, leading Milward to mortgage the house to his business partners.

What happened to Sutton House in the 1750s?

In 1751, John Cox acquired Sutton House and split it into two properties: Ivy House and Milford House.

What happened to Sutton House in the 1890s?

In 1891, the entire house was used by St. John's Church Institute and served as a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds for over 40 years.

What are some examples of the paranormal activity that has been reported at Sutton House?

Visitors have reported sudden drops in temperature within the house, while others have seen objects flying across rooms. Some believe these occurrences are related to a conflict between the silk weavers, Timothy Ravenhill and George Garratt, who worked at the property.

A Step Back in Time:

Sutton House offers a glimpse into the past, blending historical significance with intriguing paranormal occurrences. From its Tudor origins to its modern-day allure, this unique house stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of history and the lingering mysteries that continue to fascinate and intrigue visitors.