Grant To Save Somerleyton Hall Glasshouses
Historic England has awarded a grant of £120,000 to save the Grade II* listed Victorian glasshouses at Somerleyton Hall in Suffolk.
One of the finest Victorian stately homes in the country
Somerleyton Hall is one of the finest Victorian stately homes in the country. It was owned by Sir Samuel Morton Peto, a Victorian baronet, engineer and railway pioneer, and in 1861 was bought by industrial entrepreneur Sir Francis Crossley.
The glasshouses, which include two Peach Houses and two Ridge and Furrow structures, are believed to have been designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, creator of London’s Crystal Palace. Dating from around 1846, they form part of one of the finest Victorian kitchen gardens in England.
Securing the future of the glasshouses
The glasshouses were added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2024. This funding marks a crucial first step in securing their future and enabling visitors to explore and enjoy the glasshouses.
New opportunities to engage visitors
A new charitable trust is being established to manage and maintain the buildings. Plans include restoring the Peach Houses as working plant houses open to visitors, using the Ridge and Furrow Glasshouses for educational activities and plant cultivation, and creating new community spaces within the walled Kitchen Garden.
A thriving volunteer programme
The Kitchen Garden supports a thriving volunteer programme, with 14 regular volunteers contributing to garden tasks and enjoying the social and wellbeing benefits of the historic landscape.
This complements Somerleyton’s broader environmental initiatives, including nature-based education and wellbeing programmes across the estate.
These remarkable glasshouses represent a fascinating chapter in our horticultural and architectural heritage. Their connection to Sir Joseph Paxton makes them particularly special. This funding will help save these rare survivors of Victorian innovation for future generations to explore and enjoy. We're especially excited about the plans to create new opportunities for community engagement, education and wellbeing.
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