A few weeks ago I had a day out across the border into Norfolk so I could visit Oxburgh Manor House while I had my NT membership.
I say 'day out' but actually I was only there a couple of hours as there's not really much to see. Once you've seen one lot of Estate Parkland you've seen them all I reckon!
The house is still a home so only a few rooms are open to the public, but it's the outside that's probably the most impressive thing about the place.
Here's some information about it's history copied from the website
Built by the Bedingfeld family in 1482 as a statement of power, Oxburgh and the family have endured turbulent times. Through religious persecution, Civil War devastation, near dereliction and threatened demolition, Oxburgh’s story is one of survival.
Step inside to discover the legacy of the 6th Baronet who created much of what you see today, from the Victorian Gothic interiors to the ornate architectural additions that reflect a romantic view of Oxburgh's medieval past.
The rise and fall of the Bedingfelds
The Bedingfelds’ unshakable Catholic faith and commitment to preserving their history are a potent combination, expressed throughout this remarkable place in its architecture, collections and landscape. Add to this the family’s strong royal connections and a powerful story unfolds.
But when Henry VIII became head of the Church of England, little could the Bedingfelds have foreseen how their religious beliefs could have consequences for successive generations.
The entrance is through this archway into the inner courtyard
I didn't take many photos inside as the rooms are kept shaded to protect the old furnishings.
I found the second hand book shop in the Potting Shed and just bought one small book which I'll write about another day.
That's dedication to drive that far to see an old hall!
ReplyDeleteVisiting as many NT places within reach while I have my membership
DeleteI love Oxburgh, especially Mary's embroideries. If I'd known you were in Norfolk, I'd have suggested we meet up for coffee!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know which day I was going - I was waiting for a dry day!
DeleteI'd like a hidden room, but it would just end up as another dumping ground.
ReplyDeleteOh dear - that doesn't sound a good idea
DeleteI love the library door into a secret room!! When I visit these kind of estates I'm always interested in their kitchen garden if they have one.
ReplyDeleteI like the kitchen gardens too but the acres of estate land don't get me very excited
DeleteI love those secret doors! Very handy for slipping unobserved around the place. Especially in turbulent times.
ReplyDeleteThere's probably a priest hole there somewhere too!
DeleteInteresting place, I would be the same though - view it all fairly briskly - for some reason I find it tiring taking ages looking round these stately homes :-)
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
It's good to look but many NT Houses all seem similar - think I prefer castles!
DeleteInteresting estate. Did they have a priest hole? Just a book you might like called the Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure. The author got his idea of hiding places for French Jews in Paris during occupation from priest holes during the time you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI wondered about the possibility of a Priest hole too
DeleteIt does seem not many of the rooms are open to the public. Is the current generation of the family living at the estate? The sprawling landscape with long views is quite beautiful. Somebody knows how to grow raspberries but they are clearly missing out on the fruit. I probably would have reached in a tasted a few.
ReplyDeleteNearly all the house is being lived in by the owners - just a small part open.
DeleteApartments are also rented out - a friend of mine lives there in one. And to the question about priest hole, yes is the answer.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't like to live in a house with a moat, but a house with a secret room now that would be brilliant. My house would be relatively modern and quite minimalist and then you would open the door to my secret room and it would be an overfilled library with plush drapes, thick rugs and the biggest comfiest chair imaginable for reading ... oh and a brewing up area. :-)
ReplyDeleteWith you on the waste of the raspberries...see such waste in loads of places...especially RHS Rosemoor!
ReplyDelete