Little Hall / Suffolk | Discover Britain's Museums

Little Hall

Step inside Little Hall, one of the oldest timber framed buildings in the best preserved of the Suffolk wool towns. Open year-round for groups, its history mirrors the changing fortunes of Lavenham.

Built about 1390 for a family of clothiers, later enlarged and improved, and then 'modernised' in Tudor times by the addition of a fireplace, an upper floor over the central hall and glazed windows. Picture the house 600 years ago and contrast the standards of the Middle Ages with the beautiful furnishings and artefacts in the house today thanks to the Gayer-Anderson twins. Wander through the rooms and discover the treasures of Little Hall including the study with exotic Persian panels and the spectacular upstairs chamber with its striking crown-post.

The story of the house is given by our friendly, informative guides, who explain about the intervention of the Gayer-Andersons, who were brothers and soldiers with a shared interest and talent in art and collecting, who rescued Little Hall in the 1920-30s. They restored it and made it their home, filling it with an eclectic mix of antiques, pictures, books, china, and decorative art. They also collected significant items from Muslim and Hindu origins which can still be seen within the house. Many of their personal possessions remain in Little Hall while their antiquities were donated to museums worldwide, such was their importance.

They truly drew together a world-class collection which is internationally recognised. They then went on to help restore other medieval properties in this remarkable village using the expertise they had developed. Learn also about how these gay brothers brought many artists to the village of Lavenham and helped develop the unique atmosphere which it still has today. And while you are visiting make sure to explore the beautiful, traditional English walled garden, including a knot-garden inspired by the Tudor period. Enjoy a museum that has the atmosphere of a home - the only example of domestic medieval architecture open to the public in the village - Little Hall is an essential part of your visit to Lavenham.