Earlier Houses: There were buildings of Butley Priory (founded for the Augustinian Canons in 1171 by Randulph de Glanville, who also founded Leiston Abbey) on the site. The early 14th century priory arch from the former church, which led to the south transept, is extant.

House & Family History: The core of the house seen today began life as the gatehouse of the Augustinian priory. It was used as a hunting lodge in the 16th century; in the 18th century it was rebuilt into a mansion house. There is a history of early royal visitors. Henry III visited on March 9, 1235; Mary Tudor, sister to Henry VIII, was a frequent visitor between 1515 and 1519; in 1527 she stayed for two months, accompanied by her new husband, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk.

Comments: Pevsner called the gatehouse "one of the most ambitious and interesting buildings of the 14th century in Suffolk."

Country Life: LXXIII, 308, 1932.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Not Listed

Current Seat / Home of: Sir Edward Bernard Greenwell, 4th Bt.

Past Seat / Home of: Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, 16th century. William Forthe, 16th century. Leicester Devereux, 7th Viscount Hereford, 17th century. John Clyatt, late 17th century. George Wright, 18th century. Sir Bernard Eyre Greenwell, 2nd Bt., late 19th-early 20th centuries. Montague Rendall, early 20th century. Sir Bernard Eyre Greenwell, 2nd Bt., until 1939; Sir Peter McClintock Greenwell, 3rd Bt., 1939-78.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

Ownership Details: The house can be booked for weddings and private events.

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01394-450-046

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.butleypriory.co.uk

Historic Houses Member: No