Grand Opening of the Frederick English Suite

With an esteemed guest-list, including VIP’s and Dignitaries, and most notably Sir Terrence English (the Great Grand Nephew of Frederick English) & Lady Judith English along with The Mayor Of Croydon, Councillor Toni Letts OBE. This auspicious occasion was to honour the English Family and the historical significance of their forbears, to create the iconic Great Hall – indeed as it remains today, in recognition of their illustrious history with Addington Palace. Fine champagne & wines flowed, mouth-watering cuisine and stylish music all added to this high profile event culminating in captivating, humorous and extremely well received speeches by Sir Terrence and Mayor Letts.

May 1^st at Addington Palace was another memorable day in the History of this magnificent building with the much anticipated unveiling of the Frederick English Empire Suite. This luxurious master suite was opened in recognition of the works commissioned by Frederick English to the Great Hall in particular by the renowned Architect Sir Richard Norman Shaw who undertook these works between 1898 and 1900 – rather appropriately the Suite now opens out to the glorious vista of the Great Hall to be admired from the gallery to show-case the plethora of ornate features – including the magnificent French candelabrum selected by Shaw from a French chateau, silk french wall coverings and show piece polished Istrian marble fireplace with the panel over the chimney opening alabaster enriched with arabesques. This simply stunning walnut paneled room owes much to the instruction of English and the imagination and vision of Shaw.

Attendees included the Mayor of Croydon, Toni Letts OBE, such a fantastic Ambassador for Croydon as well as various distinguished guests enhancing the evening proceedings. Additionally,  invitees whom all had a part to play in the preservation of Croydon’s flagship building both past and present were also graciously invited by the Power Family.

Guests were welcomed to Champagne & Canapes on arrival served in the Morning Room followed by a sumptuous 3 course dinner in, where else, but the opulent Great Hall. The refined sounds of Blue Topaz filled the Great Hall during the dining and then guests enjoyed superb speeches by Sir Terrace and Mayor Toni Letts. In acknowledgment of both the past and present owners and all they have contributed to the Palace, Mayor Letts commemorated these achievements by presenting Mr & Mrs Power and Sir Terrace English a Recognition Award on behalf of the Croydon Mayoral Office.

The Gallery