National Trust - Melford Hall — Attraction in Babergh

Another amazing day in East Anglia thanks to the National Trust . A big Bravo to the staff here who were all very nice and added to a most enjoyable visit . I am getting addicted to these stately homes now although I find it hard to believe someone needs a place this size I still wouldn't turn down the chance to live in one . This particular one is home to the Parker Baronets and the Hyde Parkers still reside here . The land was originally owned by the Abbots of Bury St Edmunds before Queen Mary generously granted them to Sir William Cordell . Perhaps not quite as grand as some stately homes it is certainly a notch up from where I live . There are some great paintings of naval scenes here silly me I did ask but forget the artists name he was very talented nonetheless in my humble opinion . I loved them as well as a great village scene painting in the dining room . I also loved the simple little Chapel upstairs it was cool with a rather unusual addition . There is an Om sign on one of the walls I believe because one family member is married to a a Buddhist . I am interested in all religions but I find Hinduism and Buddhism most interesting . The Queen Elizabeth 1 window was great . The gardens very scenic and the whole village very quaint and lovely . A most enjoyable day was had by myself I would highly recommend a visit . I almost forgot a rather impressive suite of armour . Did they realy wear these ? I would have been tempted to stay in bed rather than get up and...

Only open for a few hours. So check before you go! Could do with a lift to the upper floors! I Loved the grounds especially the space and the smell of the roses to the side where there are m/f toilets and a café with coffee and cakes etc... Delicious 😋 and good portions!!! They have guided tours and chats. The house was interesting especially because of its link's to Beatrix Potter and her visits there with her numerous pet's, mice in cage's etc. She practiced her stories on the children of her host's and her sketches are great. She was gifted! Well worth the visit. The staff are really welcoming and helpful. They bring the place alive. I feel sorry for the servants and what their lives must have been like...hard work and long hours for poor pay, was most likely! Not likely to be spoken of l don't think 🤔. It seems to be brushed under the carpet, the lives of the servants who served those people who lived in these Big Houses and Estates. Shame there is not enough realisms spoken about the people who took care of the Big Houses and Estates and...

Wonderful afternoon out First and foremost... Thank you to the chaps at the main entrance (John in particular) for being observant and thoughtful in connection with my wife's walking condition... After seeing my wife having difficulty with her walking stick he immediately stopped us to arrange for us to relocate and park close to the main building entrance. That was very thoughtful and done in a kind and considerate way. As was the lady at the building entrance who also offered us an alternative access route to the upper level. 10/10 for all the staff on that. But John's thoughtfulness is worth a particular mention.

The guides were also very helpful and knowledgeable which made the visit really interesting and offered real insight to the family history (especially the naval element)

Cafe was nice (if a little chilly). It was a cold day tho...

Photo: My great uncle Arthur Elwis served as Leading Telegraphist On HMS Defence at the battle of Jutland (...