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After posting my Tour of Woodbridge, I exchanged correspondence with many people. Among them was Bill Crawford, who used to live in Cumberland House, Cumberland Street, mentioned in my tour. As a child, Bill was taken for long walks in Woodbridge, by his Nanny. The house was owned by the Very Reverend W P (Bill) Baddeley, until his death in June 1998.  WP was brother of the late Hermione Baddeley who so wonderfully portrayed Mrs Bridges in the Upstairs Downstairs television drama.

Here are some extracts (some paraphrased) from Bill Crawford's letters to me, about Cumberland House, pictured right:

"...I did find ... the booklet prepared by the auctioneers, Messrs. Arnott & Calver, dated Thursday, October 15th, 1959, as my parents were selling Cumberland House. I believe there were no bidders, which must have been a disappointment to my parents. The General Remarks section says:

Cumberland House is a noteworthy 16th Century house - part later - with a fine street facade and many internal features of great interest such as moulded ceilings, panelled rooms and a late Renaissance painting. Traditionally it was occupied by the Duke of Cumberland when he visited the area.

Under Particulars, it says:

The attractive period town residence known as Cumberland House Standing in a central position, close to the River Deben. It is of timber-frame and partly brick construction on brick pinnings with tiled roof and has a dignified plaster front with fine pedimented doorway (pictured right) and oriel window above.

Internally there are many interesting features, two of the rooms having rich 16th century plaster ceilings and in one are traces of late Renaissance wall paintings.

Further on in the booklet it describes Bedroom no.1:

...with fine plaster ceiling, unusual wall paintings, fireplace...

Then, another auction notice for Cumberland House, dated May 20th, 1971:

The sellers are listed to be George Douglas Haig, Solicitor, and Geoffrey Murrin, Chartered Accountant, both of Newcastle-upon-tyne.

The auction was held by Strutt & Parker of Ipswich. Described again as...

...a fine Georgian fronted town house. This fine period house, which is scheduled as being of Architectural and Historical Interest (Grade II) ... dating mainly from the 17th century with 18th century facade, the house is constructed mainly of timber framing and plaster with brick plinth and rusticated quoins... Adam plaster ceiling and traces of late Renaissance paintings..."