Built / Designed For: Sir William Cordell

House & Family History: Melford probably contains parts of the abbot's building of Bury St. Edmunds. In 1578 Queen Elizabeth I was entertained at Melford--the House retains its original paneled banqueting hall from that time. The Cordell family (Sir William Cordell was solicitor-general and speaker of the House of Commons) owned Melford until the early 18th century, when the Firebraces inherited the Estate. Melford today features a fine Regency library (by Thomas Hopper, post 1813), an 18th century Drawing Room, and sweet Victorian bedrooms. Sir William Hyde Parker, 11th Bt., gave the House to the National Trust.

Collections: Melford has a good collections of furniture and porcelain and a small display of items connected with Beatrix Potter, who was related to the family.

Garden & Outbuildings: Thomas Hopper designed the polygon-shaped entrance gateway, post 1813. There is also an octagon-shaped summer house, spectacular specimen trees, and a banqueting house.

John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. II, 1825.

Country Life: LXXXII, 116, 142, 394 [Furniture], 1937.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade II

Current Seat / Home of: Sir William Hyde Parker, 11th Bt.; Parker family here since 1696.

Past Seat / Home of: Sir William Cordell, until 1696. Firebrace family.

Current Ownership Type: The National Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

Ownership Details: Sir William Hyde Parker, 11th Bt., gave the House to the National Trust; the family still resides at Melford.

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01787-880-286

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No