Sutton House

Sutton House is the oldest house in East London, built for Sir Ralph Sadler in 1535, with a rich history of alteration at every period.

The house was bought by the National Trust in the 1930’s and leased out. However, in 1982 the tenants departed, squatters moved in and by 1987 the House was boarded up and derelict.

Richard Griffiths Architects designed and executed a plan for arts and educational
uses, incorporating a concert hall, exhibition room, cafe/bar and shop, as well as a range of historic rooms of various periods.

The different layers of the house’s history are revealed by means of hinged panels, and the conversion allows different layers of use – as historic house, education
centre and function venue.

  • Location: Hackney, London

    Client: National Trust

    Listed: Grade II*

    Original Architect: unknown

  • Date of construction: 1535, alterations C17

    Date of project completion: 2006

  • Civic Trust Award 1996

    Europa Nostra Award 1995

    Interpret Britain Award 1995