Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group

The Hollond Family of Great Ashfield House, Suffolk – a Talk by Dave Steward – Monday 20th October 2.30pm in Saxmundham

Great Ashfield House, built in 1755, had a history of extensions and renovations. It is described as a “lost palace” in some accounts, and is Grade II listed. The Hollond Family were known to have moved in cultured circles, with Stanley Spencer visiting and painting there in the 1920s.

After Arthur Hollond’s death, the family’s connection to the outside world diminished. The daughters’ unconventional lifestyle, including sleeping outdoors in various weather conditions, led to them being viewed with suspicion by some villagers. The house fell into disrepair, and the family lived in relative isolation, with the daughters adopting a unique, nature-focused lifestyle.

 Dave Steward is a local historian well known for researching family trees as well as giving talks on local history subjects in the East Anglian region

The talk takes place on Monday 20th October at 2.30pm, in person at the Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL (behind the Library). The talk starts at 2.30pm. No need to book – just turn up — at £1.00 for members, £3.00 for visitors, including tea/coffee/biscuits. Good, free car-parking. The speaker will be present in person, and the talk will NOT be on Zoom.

Photo reprinted from Suffolk News