The Site of Crow's Hall, on a ridge above Debenham, is surrounded by a series of Moats which are believed to be of very ancient origin. From early times, and certainly as far back as the 13th Century, the Residence of the Lord of the Manor of Debenham has stood on this site surrounded by a rectangular moat of great depth and width.

It is known that about the middle of the 14th Century one John Crowe, a Gentleman from Lowestoft, acquired the property and built a large house. It appears that about 1420 Crowes Hall was acquired by Sir John Framlingham. He was succeeded by his son John who died in 1448 and by Sir James who died in 1519. It is not clear whether Sir James or his son Francis built the present house, but it is thought by some authorities that the latter is the more likely as a great deal of building in this style was done in Queen Elizabeth's reign.

The House, as rebuilt by the Framlinghams, consisted of a main block facing West across the inner courtyard (and including the great Baronial Hall) and two wings on the North and South sides joined by a single storey building with flat roof and a gatehouse in the centre, giving access to the bridge.

Today only the North wing and part of the single story building and gatehouse remain, these form an enchanting and easily manageable small Country House.

Crow's Hall remained the Seat of the Framlingham Family until 1595 when it passed, through Anne daughter of Sir Charles Framlingham, to her son Sir Charles Gawdy. Sir Charles supported the Royalist cause and it is thought that Crow's Hall was at one time besieged by the Parliamentary forces, but there is no record of this event. Sir Charles was created a Baronet in 1661 and died in 1707. Shortly before his death he sold the Debenham property to John Pitt. William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, is believed to have lived at Crow's Hall for a time and later he sold the place to James Bridges who, in 1781 resold it to Sir John Major. His daughter Anne married Lord Henniker so that eventually the Manor came into the possession of the Henniker family who owned it untill part of their estates was sold in 1948 to meet death duties.

There appears to be no record of how or when the greater part of the house disappeared, but this was probably in the early part of the 19th Century.

These images and the map are from 1960 at the time of Sale of Crow's Hall. The above historical details formed part of the Sale Brochure at that time.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 30 September 2008