Oxburgh Estate

We stop off at the Oxburgh Estate, near Swaffham, on our way home. Oxburgh Hall is a moated Manor house originally built by Sir Edmund Bedingfield as a symbol of power in 1482. It underwent extensive refurbishment in the mid 19th century, and this Grade I listed building is now managed by the National Trust

The Bedingfield family were strong Catholics, but things changed in the 16th century during the reigns of Elizabeth I and Henry VIII when Catholics were persecuted and even executed for sheltering Catholic priests.

We walk around the gardens and part of the grounds before visiting the house itself (part is still used as a family residence); there are many portraits and artefacts describing the Bedingfield family's turbulent history. The house is particularly noted for the Oxburgh Hanging and a priest hole (see pictures and captions).

It has been another excellent visit to Norfolk.Read more