Tiny Treasures Unearthed at Sutton House: A Glimpse into 17th Century Schoolgirl Education

A fascinating discovery has emerged from beneath the floorboards of Sutton House, a historic property in Hackney, London, revealing tiny treasures that shed light on 17th-century schoolgirl education.

The National Trust uncovered a 350-year-old fox the size of a thumbnail, a delicate star, and a paper and silk chicken, offering a glimpse into the past.

In the 17th century, Sutton House served as a school where girls likely learned the art of paper cutting from their teacher Hannah Woolley, as detailed in her 1668 book, A Guide to Ladies, Gentlewomen and Maids.

Isabella Rosner, an expert in early modern material culture, identified the intricate cuttings, which closely resemble rare surviving examples, including a decorative box from the 1680s at Witney Antiques in Oxfordshire.

The delicate paper scraps have been preserved for centuries under the floorboards and were only recently uncovered during a renovation project in the late 1980s.

Among the findings are handmade pieces and others cut from prints, such as representations of couples in country clothing, each exuding a personal touch.

Kate Simpson, a senior collections officer at the National Trust, described the discovery as both thrilling and enlightening, providing a vivid glimpse into the skills taught to pupils at Sutton House.

Sutton House, once owned by Ralph Sadleir, a confidant of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII, has had a varied history, culminating in its restoration by the National Trust from near collapse in the 1980s.

The delicate paper scraps will be showcased in an exhibition titled ‘Lost by Schoolgirls’ at Sutton House, inviting visitors to connect with this historical art form until December.