At the weekend I visited Eastbury Manor House in Upney, east London. I’m a National Trust member so I get in for free, but an adult ticket is only £4 for non-members. There isn’t loads to see in the house, but there is some beautiful architecture and it’s fascinating to imagine how people lived in it years ago. The house is open Mondays to Thursdays in the summer months, as well as the first and second Saturday of the month.
Built during the reign of Elizabeth I, completed by around 1573, Eastbury Manor House was originally situated in rural parkland but is now in the middle of a housing estate. The original owner was Clement Sysley, and over the years the house has changed hands several times. Though some of the rooms have been adapted or changed, the essential structure of the house has remained more or less the same.
In the first room, an original fireplace has been complemented with a brightly coloured modern painting. This room is often used for weddings.
I love the ornately carved wood which is a hallmark of the Tudor style.
One room used to be decorated on all four walls with a beautiful mural, the remains of which are still visible.
The attic was used by the family for exercise. Today it contains information boards and clothes for dressing up!
FACTS
Address: Eastbury Square, Barking, Essex, IG11 9SN
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/eastbury-manor-house
Opening Hours: 10am-4pm Wed-Thurs; 12pm-5pm Sun
Prices: Adult £16, Concession £12.80, Child £8; under-5s free