The history of Sutton House
Sutton House is one of London's last remaining Tudor houses. Built in 1535 by Sir Ralph Sadleir, the building was originally constructed for an aide to Thomas Cromwell. It has functioned as a family home for much of its existence, maintaining its presence in Hackney as the surrounding area transitioned from rural to urban.
The house has undergone significant changes in purpose over the centuries. In the 17th century, the building served as a school for girls. During this period, the inhabitants engaged in embroidery and paper craft, leaving behind decorative paper cuttings that remained hidden beneath the floorboards for hundreds of years. Later, the site functioned as a church institute and eventually provided offices for trade unions.
The building and its architecture
Built in 1535, Sutton House is the oldest house in Hackney. The structure contains five centuries of history within its walls. The interior features atmospheric Tudor rooms that retain many of their original features. Notable among these is the presence of Tudor-era linenfold paneling, which provides a direct link to the building's sixteenth-century origins.
The exterior spaces include the garden, known as Breaker's Yard. This area has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a polluted brownfield site into a pocket park. The site reflects the changing landscape of the surrounding urban environment through its physical evolution.
A history of diverse uses
The building has transitioned through many distinct roles over five centuries. In 1657, Sarah Freeman leased the house to establish a school for girls. During this period, the students were taught embroidery and paper craft, leaving behind decorative paper cuttings that remained hidden beneath the floorboards for centuries.
The house later functioned as a community centre managed by squatters. This period of occupation preceded its use as a formal administrative space. From 1953, the building served as the headquarters for the Association of Supervisory Staffs, Executives and Technicians (ASSET). Following this, after 1968, it became the headquarters for the Association of Scientific, Technical and Managerial Staffs (ASTMS).
Exhibitions and research
During the restoration work carried out in the 1980s, decorative paper cuttings and folding were discovered beneath the floorboards. These artifacts were created by schoolgirls nearly 350 years ago. Dr Isabella Rosner identified these specific paper cuttings, which provide a rare glimpse into the material world of middle and upper-class schoolgirls from the 17th century.
The discovery of these prints offers a direct connection to the house's history as a school. The items found under the floorboards reflect the specific crafts, such as embroidery and paper craft, that were taught to students during that period. These survivals remain a significant part of the house's material record.
