Blickling Hall is situated close to the market town of Aylsham. It is a magnificent and impressive stately home in the village of Blickling and has been owned by the National Trust since 1940. It is reputed to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, although this is disputed. While the family of Thomas Boleyn did live here, records cannot prove that Anne Boleyn was actually born at Blickling Hall.
This Jacobean hall was built between 1616 and 1627 and features the superb long gallery for which it is renowned. Visitors are often impressed by its imposing structure, as well as the gardens and lake that surround the hall. Inside, the hall boasts fine ceilings, and the library contains one of the most historically important collections of books in England.
Records show that in the 11th century Blickling Hall was a simple manor house, but by the end of the 14th century it had developed into a much larger moated house.
Throughout the year, many events take place at Blickling Hall, and visitors can admire the gardens and stroll around the surrounding parkland, which has been developed over three centuries. During the Second World War, the hall was used as an officers’ mess by the RAF. It was opened to the public in 1962.
The headless ghost of Anne Boleyn is said to haunt the hall on the anniversary of her execution. This extravagant property has welcomed many important visitors over the centuries and should certainly be included on any itinerary when visiting North Norfolk.
For more photographs of Norfolk, click here or view on YouTube
Blickling Hall, Norwich, Norfolk, NR11 6NF
Tel: 01263 738030
Leave a Reply