Hengrave Hall is a little piece of heaven quietly nestled in the Suffolk countryside, where it has sat undisturbed for the past 500 years. Purchased by the present owner in 2006 the house, gardens and church have been lovingly restored with meticulous attention to detail to create a haven where, for a moment, time stands still.
Set within 350 acres of parkland and with sweeping lawns and meadows, a majestic lake, and its own idyllic chapel it’s grace and historical charm offers.
The history of Hengrave is as captivating as its visual splendour. Built in 1525 by a wealthy cloth merchant, Thomas Kytson, the Hall is a stunning example of the great architecture of medieval England and took almost thirteen years to complete.
Composed of brick and stonework, its structure reveals the Roman influence over the Tudors and, despite its fifteenth-century embellishments, certain features disclose its Saxon origins, such as the church tower just east of the Hall itself.
Every corner of Hengrave holds an enviable tale: in 1578, Sir Thomas Kytson the younger entertained Queen Elizabeth on her progress to and from Norwich. Although it is rumoured that Kytson was somewhat compromised on the issue of religion and became an object of suspicion for a time to the Elizabethan court, Elizabeth herself was still charmed by her stay at Hengrave. It was during this momentous occasion that she was presented by her host with an undoubtedly rich jewel; in return, Queen Elizabeth knighted Thomas Kytson.
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Planning a wedding at this venue offers a truly memorable experience, especially for couples seeking something unique and personal. The venue’s charm lies in its combination of a private, historic house with versatile spaces, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed and natural flow between indoor and outdoor areas. This creates a welcoming atmosphere that fosters genuine enjoyment, rather than the more formal, segmented experience that can occur at larger venues. Many couples appreciate the intimate setting, which contributes to a more laid-back celebration and keeps guests comfortable throughout the day. While the venue may have been less popular at the time of booking, its subsequent rise in popularity speaks to the appeal of its distinctive character and flexibility. Some feedback highlights the importance of good planning to maximize the potential of the space, but overall, couples leave with positive memories of a beautiful, less conventional wedding environment that feels tailored and special. This venue is well-suited for couples wanting a relaxed but stylish celebration that impresses their guests without feeling rigid or overly orchestrated.
July 2016
Like most brides I wanted something different for my wedding and although Hengrave Hall was not within my area, it was such a beautiful venue I knew I wanted to hold my wedding there. The venue is a private house and didn't hold many weddings when I had mine, but since I know it has become very popular. What I liked most about the venue was that our guests were able to flow through the rooms and outdoors as it was a sunny day, whereas most other weddings I have been to, the guests are always moved room to room and it's very noticeable. Our guests were able to feel relaxed and were welcomed and surprised when there was another main room for the reception where the band was set up and ready to play.
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