For International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting four women at Sworders and the opportunities, learning and support that have shaped their careers.
8 March 2026
Our upcoming 30 January Homes & Interiors sale features a selection of the contents of Riddlesworth Hall, a Norfolk country house and a prolific all-girls boarding school where some notable public figures such as Princess Diana once studied.
12 January 2024
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Savills (UK) Limited 2023
Nestled between Thetford and Diss, Riddlesworth Hall stood as an imposing Norfolk country house since the 18th century. However, it was not until 1946 that the Georgian House came onto the map as an all-girls boarding school.
With over 27 acres of land and listed status, the building provided a striking backdrop to develop pupils as 'adventurous and academically ambitious young people' - the most notable of which was Diana, Princess of Wales.
Having felt the brunt of COVID-19 and financial challenges, the school finally closed its doors in 2023, with the hall up for sale with Savills, with offers over £3 million. The Sworders Homes & Interiors Department is delighted to have been instructed to sell selected contents from this historic institution, with 17 lots to feature in their 30th January sale.
Three Large Taxidermy Displays From Our 30 January Homes & Interiors Sale. All estimated at (£1,500-2,500)
The department’s favourite lots are undoubtedly the three spectacular cases of English birds by renowned Norwich taxidermist - Thomas Gunn. Originally fixed into the walls of the grand entrance hall, Head of Art & Estates, Luke Macdonald’s suspicions were confirmed after discovering Gunn's paper labels to the reverse upon the de-installation of the cases (it seems only fitting that Norfolk's finest taxidermist should take pride and place in one of Norfolk's significant houses). The three large displays depict birds of prey, garden and game birds, with estimates of £1,500-2,500.
Alongside the taxidermy, the collection also features furniture, sporting art and paintings. As the chapter closes for Riddlesworth Hall as a school, its proprietors are excited to find new homes for the pieces to enjoy their wonderful history.
Savills (UK) Limited 2023
homesandinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
Sworders’ Fine Interiors department is pleased to present a considered selection of lots from the beloved collection of Elizabeth Cooke, offered in our March sale and photographed in situ at her beautiful 17th-century home, Tulip Tree House, in Great Tew, Oxfordshire.
11 March 2026
It is a rare opportunity to encounter the private world of a man whose life was devoted to the pursuit of architectural integrity, aesthetic refinement and the quiet joy of beautiful things. We are therefore honoured to offer works from the personal collection of the late Richard Collins (1952-2024) in our upcoming Fine Interiors sale.
10 March 2026
For International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting four women at Sworders and the opportunities, learning and support that have shaped their careers.
8 March 2026