The exact date of Sudley House
is unknown although Nicholas Robinson, a rich corn merchant,
bought the land for £4500 and it is though that the exterior
of the house may be the work of Thomas Harrison between 1881-1815.
George Holt bought the house in about 1883. The main entrance
was moved from the eastern to the northern front and a garden
veranda was created on the eastern side. He built a tower and
extended the western side.
Inside the fireplaces, lincrusta
wallpapers and oak paneling are still visable. The Holt
family crest is carved into the marble fireplace. The house
contains fabulous works by Gainsborough, Reynolds, Landseer
and Turner, all displayed amongst original Victorian décor.
George Holt’s daughter Emma born in 1862 bequeathed the
house and its contents to the city of Liverpool in 1944.
George Holt senior was a cotton
broker originally from Rochdale. He married Emma Durning
in 1820 who came from a rich and long-established Liverpool
family. They were involved in local politics and educational
and philanthropic schemes. His son George Holt married
Elizabeth Bright.
Sudley House
Sudley House Map 1905
Extract from the Mersey Magazine of the Mersey Dock Board October 1924. The Makers of Modern Liverpool, The Holt family and
part 2 three generations
part 3