Wednesday 30 August 2023

The Oxburgh Estate.

 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.




The library has a hidden door into the next room. There was a room steward standing by the door to open it for everyone to see, so I couldn't take a photo of the real thing. I bought a postcard and took a photo of that instead.





Below are embossed and coloured leather panels covering the walls of one room



Three photos below of ongoing work to restore the Parterre








Below are part of the walled gardens with some veg growing.  There was a big fruit cage full of raspberry canes that were absolutely loaded with ripe raspberries. Why on earth had no one picked them? What a waste!


I found the second hand book shop in the Potting Shed and just bought one small book which I'll write about another day.

Back Tomorrow
Sue



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19 comments:

  1. Rachel Phillips30 August 2023 at 06:47

    That's dedication to drive that far to see an old hall!

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    1. Sue in Suffolk30 August 2023 at 13:07

      Visiting as many NT places within reach while I have my membership

      Delete
  2. Angela30 August 2023 at 07:35

    I love Oxburgh, especially Mary's embroideries. If I'd known you were in Norfolk, I'd have suggested we meet up for coffee!

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    1. Sue in Suffolk30 August 2023 at 13:09

      I didn't know which day I was going - I was waiting for a dry day!

      Delete
  3. jabblog30 August 2023 at 07:38

    I'd like a hidden room, but it would just end up as another dumping ground.

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  4. Ali30 August 2023 at 09:22

    I 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.

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    1. Sue in Suffolk30 August 2023 at 13:12

      I like the kitchen gardens too but the acres of estate land don't get me very excited

      Delete
  5. Boud30 August 2023 at 14:18

    I love those secret doors! Very handy for slipping unobserved around the place. Especially in turbulent times.

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    1. Sue in Suffolk30 August 2023 at 20:16

      There's probably a priest hole there somewhere too!

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  6. Anonymous30 August 2023 at 14:32

    Interesting 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 :-)
    Alison in Wales x

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    1. Sue in Suffolk30 August 2023 at 20:18

      It's good to look but many NT Houses all seem similar - think I prefer castles!

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  7. Marcia30 August 2023 at 15:21

    Interesting 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.

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    1. Sue in Suffolk30 August 2023 at 20:19

      I wondered about the possibility of a Priest hole too

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  8. Susan30 August 2023 at 15:55

    It 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.

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    1. Sue in Suffolk30 August 2023 at 20:22

      Nearly all the house is being lived in by the owners - just a small part open.

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  9. Rachel Phillips31 August 2023 at 04:42

    Apartments are also rented out - a friend of mine lives there in one. And to the question about priest hole, yes is the answer.

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  10. Sue 31 August 2023 at 16:22

    I 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. :-)

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  11. Winters End Rambler5 September 2023 at 09:37

    With you on the waste of the raspberries...see such waste in loads of places...especially RHS Rosemoor!

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