Melford Hall facts for kids
Melford Hall is a grand old house located in the village of Long Melford in Suffolk, England. It's a special place that has been home to the Hyde Parker family since 1786. Imagine living in a house with so much history! Since 1960, Melford Hall has been looked after by the National Trust, a charity that protects historic places. This means many people can visit and learn about its past.
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A Glimpse into Melford Hall's History
Melford Hall was mostly built in the 1500s. But it actually includes parts of an even older building! This older part was used by the abbots (leaders) of a big church called Bury St Edmunds Abbey way back before 1065. So, the house has roots that go back almost a thousand years!
From Monks to Royalty
The house changed hands during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when many monasteries and their lands were taken over by the King. Later, in the 1500s, Queen Mary gave the hall to Sir William Cordell. After him, it passed through different families before being sold to the Parker family in 1786.
Facing Tough Times
In 1642, during a period of unrest called the Stour Valley Riots, Melford Hall was attacked. People who were against Catholics caused some damage to the house. Later, in February 1942, during World War II, one part of the hall was badly damaged by a fire. But don't worry, it was rebuilt after the war! The outside still looks like it did in Tudor times, but the inside of that wing was updated in the 1950s.
Famous Visitors and Helping Hands
Melford Hall has welcomed many interesting people over the years. Did you know that Beatrix Potter, the famous author who wrote about Peter Rabbit, was a cousin of the family? She visited the hall often from the 1890s onwards.
In 1958, a kind woman named Sue Ryder used the south wing of Melford Hall for a special holiday program. She helped people who had been through very difficult times during the war. This program at Melford Hall ran for 11 years and eventually grew into the amazing Sue Ryder charity we know today.
Visiting Melford Hall Today
Melford Hall first opened its doors to the public in 1955. Today, it's a popular place to visit. You can usually explore the hall on weekend afternoons in April and October. From May to September, it's open on afternoons from Wednesday to Sunday.
The beautiful grounds of Melford Hall also host fun events. Every November, there's a "Big Night Out" to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with fireworks. Since 2013, the hall has also been home to the annual LeeStock Music Festival, which is a great way to enjoy music in a historic setting.
