Sutton House

This is a National Trust property and the oldest home in East London.

It was built by the courtier Sir Ralph Sadleir in 1535. His wife was a cousin of Oliver Cromwell. Instead of tapestries or wallpaper, the walls were covered with panels carved into ‘linenfold’ shapes, all of which were different.

Some were painted.

Here’s a lovely old fireplace

Here’s the kitchen. The huge fireplace has been drastically reduced, converted to a staircase and spice cupboard, due to the change from wood to coal as fuel.

The building has had a varied history; for as time it was home to wealthy merchants, then a girls’ school. In the 1970s it was used as a squat, but as they were taking care of it instead of eviction, they were allowed to stay until proper plans or conservation were in place. A room has been decorated to remember this.

I love the garden – showing the different ages of the house

And a wonderful converted campervan with Georgian interiors.