Essentially an early Victorian mansion, Somerleyton Hall was re-created from a Jacobean manor house for Sir Morton Peto in the mid-19th century. As a wealthy entrepreneur, keen to show off his 'new money', Sir Morton employed John Thomas, a noted protégé of Sir Charles Barry, to embark on the drastic transformation of the old Hall. Favouring the Italianate architecture very much in vogue during this period, Thomas used his skills as a sculptor and mason to enhance the soft, Caen stone used to dress the red brick of the original house. Sumptuous décor was very much a feature of Sir Morton's fine mansion, and the richly carved oak in the entrance hall, offset with marble panels, highly patterned Minton floor tiles and an unusually coloured stained-glass dome, must have overwhelmed the unprepared visitor.

In the ballroom, formerly a huge Banqueting Hall, a complete contrast of style, no less lavish, was waiting to impress. Crisp, white sculptured marble acting as a perfect foil to the deep crimson damask walls and the elaborate gilding, finished with an elegantly designed ceiling. Maybe today's visitor will not find it difficult to wonder why this flamboyant Victorian gentleman was declared bankrupt in 1866. Visually, Somerleyton Hall has changed little since that time, and remains a fine memorial to Thomas's craftsmanship. His work is also very noticeable in the village of Somerleyton, where he rebuilt the church and a large group of thatched cottages surrounding the village green.

Sir Francis Crossley, the son of a Yorkshire-based carpet manufacturer, purchased the Somerleyton estate in 1863. Already owning substantial family property in Halifax, a prominent local businessman, and an MP in Yorkshire, the recently created Baronet used his Suffolk property merely as a country residence. After his death, his wife chose to live at Somerleyton Hall on a more permanent basis, and their only child, a son, was created Baron Somerleyton in 1916. Emulating his father's political and business interests, the estate appears to have taken a back seat in his busy life, but when his own son succeeded him in 1935, Somerleyton's activities became the priority.

Dedicated to the country cause and the day-to-day administration of the vast estate, the 2nd Baron was a most popular and respected squire. The present Lord Somerleyton followed closely in his father's footsteps after inheriting the estate in 1959. Well regarded by the Royal Family, he was first appointed a Lord-in-Waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, and later became Master of the Horse. Along with much family memorabilia on show from his predecessors, there is a unique display of Ceremonials presented to Lord Somerleyton during his service to the Queen.

Whilst continuing to play an active role in the conservation of the house and grounds, Lord and Lady Somerleyton clearly enjoy living in this magnificent house. There is a genuine welcoming feel about the whole site, from the immaculate gardens to the carefully maintained house, and this exudes a sense of the Crossley family's pride in their home and their heritage.