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Melford Hall, Suffolk

Melford Hall was originally a sixteenth century banqueting house for the Abbots of Bury St Edmunds. Later it was bought by William Cordell who had to put up Elizabeth the First and her huge household in 1578 during one of her progresses around the country. Then in 1786 the house passed into the hands of the Hyde Parker family, who are commemorated at the house today. The Hyde Parkers were a naval family, and their house provides a fascinating insight into British naval history. Sir Hyde Parker the Fifth Baronet was a vice admiral in the Royal Navy during the Seven Years War 1756 - 1763. In 1762 he was involved in the capture of a Spanish ship in the East Indies. At this time men were rewarded for navy service by taking a portion of the plunder from captured enemy ships. This system is graphically illustrated at Melford Hall by a display of items allocated to Hyde Parker following the capture of the Spanish ship in 1762.

Hyde parker's second son, Sir Hyde Parker the 6th Baronet, served on his father's ships. He was involved in engagements during the American War of Independence, and had reached the rank of vice-admiral by 1799. In 1801 he was made an admiral. The struggle with revolutionary France and its allies had began, and in April 1801 Hyde Parker was admiral of the fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen, with Horatio Nelson as his second in command. This was the battle where Nelson famously ignored Hyde Parker's command to withdraw. Nelson told his flag captain."You know Foley I only have one eye. I have the right to be blind sometimes." Copenhagen was the battle that made Nelson's reputation. Soon after his victory, Nelson replaced Hyde Parker as admiral of the fleet. Incidentally, try and find a National Trust guide called Sylvia to tell you about all this. She does a great impersonation of Nelson holding up his telescope to his blind eye and is very knowledgable.

The 6th Baronet's son in his turn served in the Royal Navy and rose to vice admiral in 1852. During the Crimean War he led an attack on the fortress of Sulina and was killed there in May 1854. His men created a memorial to him out of the rear section of a whaling boat. This can be seen at Melford Hall today.

Also of interest is a small display of items linked to Beatrix Potter. The author visited Melford Hall many times. Her cousin was Ethel Hyde Parker, grandmother of the present baronet, Sir Richard Hyde Parker.

Opening Times: Opening hours are 1.30pm - 5pm. Opening days vary. Beginning of May to end of September, Wednesday to Sunday. 4th October - 26th October weekends only. 22nd of March - 30th March, open all week except Tuesday. 5th April - 27th April, weekends only.

Directions: Melford Hall is in Long Melford, Suffolk, off the A134. There is ample car parking. Click here for an interactive map centred on Melford Hall.

Access: Disabled drivers can park at the house. There is a ramp at the entrance. The ground floor is accessible, and a stairlift serves other floors. Adapted toilet facilities are available. The teashop has level access.

Contact:

telephone: 01787 379228

web site: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-melfordhall.htm