Kentwell
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 presents a wonderful sight, its open couryard 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.
Location
Off the A134 between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury
Address
Kentwell Hall
Long Melford
Suffolk
CO10 9BA
Tel 01787 310207
Fax 01787 379318 website Location
map
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Suffolk
Kentwell
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.
Living
History