The earliest records relating to Buzzards Hall date from the 15th Century which document
it as part of a group of buildings on the corner of Old Gaol Street and Cock Lane. Notes from
the 17th Century reveal the Hall as the home of a prosperous clothier, Mr Pleasant Spring.
Deeds from the 17th Century also mention a wool hall, built by William Hassel, which
survives today.
In 1709 the property became the home of a Thomas Gainsborough and heiress, Elizabeth
Fenn, as part of their marriage settlement. Thomas’ success as a clothier enabled him to help
his nephew, also named Thomas, to pursue his career as an artist (to great effect)! Today,
a stone’s throw from Buzzards Hall is Gainsborough’s House and Museum and art gallery
housing some of his famous works.
In the late 18th Century, the Hall became known as ‘Buzzards’. The building continued to be
owned by a succession of clothiers from the area, and towards the end of the 18th Century,
became the home of the Ellis family, also prominent clothiers.
Since that time, the building has seen a variety of uses until 1993 when it was acquired by
the Somerville Group who undertook a major repair and restoration project to restore Buzzards
Hall to its rightful place in the heritage of Sudbury. Somerville is proud to be the guardian
of this building and is committed to preserving its historic value.
