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Visit Oxburgh Hall England, Moats, Gardens, and Hidden Doors
Oxburgh Hall is a stately home built in 1482 by Sir Edmund Bedingfield an hour’s drive from Norwich England. Oxburgh Hall is moated with four wings surrounding an inner courtyard. The gatehouse is three stories with a vaulted archway and brick spiral staircases to the towers. Although the defensive measures were symbolic, it is one of the last fortified homes built. Edward Bedingfield supported King Henry VI in the Battle of Bosworth and earned royal favor. Oxburgh Hall is built of red brick, an expensive option at the time signifying the family’s position. There are 70 acres of gardens and woodlands, stables, a chapel, a giant outdoor chess set, and a pet cemetery. The property is best known for its priest door and the needlework wall hangings Mary Queen of Scots completed while she was imprisoned by the Earl of Shrewsbury.
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Although it was illegal to practice Catholicism post-reformation, the Bedingfields continued to follow their faith. The family installed a hidden priest door large enough to hide three people. The family signaled mass was beginning by hanging laundry out on the hedge. There is no record of a priest being caught at Oxburgh Hall but the family was persecuted and fined heavily. As a result, the home was neglected and fell into disrepair. Visitors are allowed to climb down the priest hole… or attempt to. Historically, people were smaller and it is difficult to get back up!
There are 500 years of history at Oxburgh Hall and the home has had its ups and downs. The Bedingfields supported the Royalist cause in the 17 century. While Sir Edward Bedingfield was imprisoned in the Tower of London the home was raided and the gardens were destroyed. The monarchy was restored but the Bedingfields were not compensated. There is a row of fake books in the library titled ‘Rewards to Sir Henry Bedingfield, His Loyalties’, I can appreciate the sarcasm. And I love the hidden door in the library!
Lady Bedingfield was able to save the home from being demolished and gave it to the National Trust in 1952. The home has been restored and is now protected. The family continues to reside in the southeast corner of the property and visits on weekends and holidays. There is a tea room on site for a snack and open-air Shakespeare performances during the summer. Be sure to visit the roof for views of the countryside. Finally, because I always google the paranormal, it is rumored the property is haunted by a Spanish woman who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Be sure to check the Oxburgh Hall website for current events
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