Oxburgh Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oxburgh Hall |
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Oxburgh Hall 2017
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| General information | |
| Type | country house |
| Architectural style | Tudor |
| Location | In the village of Oxborough, 7 miles south west of Swaffham |
| Town or city | Oxborough |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 52°34′52″N 0°34′13″E / 52.5810421°N 0.5704133°E |
| Completed | 1482 |
| Owner | National Trust |
| Technical details | |
| Material | brick, stone and slate |
Oxburgh Hall is a beautiful old country house in Oxborough, Norfolk, England. It is surrounded by a moat, like a castle! The hall was built for Sir Edmund Bedingfeld. He got special permission to build defenses in 1482. This was called a "licence to crenellate."
The Bedingfeld family gained control of the land in the early 1400s. They have lived at Oxburgh Hall ever since it was built. In 1952, the National Trust took over ownership. The house was greatly updated in the mid-1800s. This work was done by John Chessell Buckler and Augustus Pugin.
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The Hall's History
Oxburgh Hall is a great example of a medieval house. It faces inwards, with a large courtyard in the middle. The house sits inside a square moat. This moat is about 75 meters (246 feet) on each side.
Building Changes Over Time
The part of the house facing the gatehouse was taken down in 1772. This made the house more open, shaped like a "U." The main entrance is on the north side. You reach it by crossing a three-arched bridge. The entrance goes through a strong gatehouse. This gatehouse was built to show the owner's power. It has tall, many-sided towers on each side.
Around 1835, the open "U" shape was closed off. This created the central courtyard again. Other additions were made during the Victorian era. These include the stepped gables, which are like stair-shaped roof edges. A large tower was added on the southeast side. Windows that stick out over the moat, called oriel windows, were also added. The chimneys were made of terracotta. Four towers were built in the walled kitchen garden.
In the 1830s, Sir Henry Richard Paston-Bedingfield hired John Chessell Buckler and Augustus Pugin. They helped restore and improve the hall. A new chapel was built. The walled kitchen garden and flower gardens were also rebuilt. A stable block for horses was added too.
Secret Hiding Places and Special Art
Oxburgh Hall is famous for its priest hole. This was a secret hiding place built by Nicholas Owen. The Bedingfelds were Catholic. During certain times in England, it was dangerous to be Catholic. The priest hole was a secret closet, hidden through a lavatory. It allowed priests to hide if there was danger.
The hall is also known for the Oxburgh Hangings. These are beautiful needlework tapestries. They were made by Mary, Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick. Mary worked on these while she was held prisoner in England.
Gardens and Nature
A large park was created south and west of the house in the 1830s. A French-style garden, called a parterre, was made east of the moat. This garden had patterns created with plants. A pleasure ground, a place for enjoyment, was also made west of the new chapel. The estate has many woodland paths. There is even a 'Woodland Explorer' trail for visitors.
Saving Oxburgh Hall
In 1950, Oxburgh Hall and its land were put up for auction. The hall and gardens were almost torn down in 1951. But they were saved! Sybil, Lady Bedingfeld, her daughter Mrs Frances Playford, and her niece Mrs Violet Hartcup raised enough money. They bought Oxburgh Hall back. Then, they gave it to the National Trust in 1952. The National Trust is an organization that protects historic places and natural beauty.
In 2021, the National Trust announced new plans. They want to change 175 acres of farmland back into woods and pastures. This will help local wildlife. The project will plant 227 trees. It will recreate habitats for animals.
Architecture and Design
Oxburgh Hall is a very important building. It has been given a Grade I listing since 1951. This is the highest level of protection in England. It means the building is of exceptional historical interest.
The hall's gardens are also special. They have been listed as Grade II on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens since 1987. This means they are historically important.
Gallery
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The hall seen from the south
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The 19th-century Roman Catholic chapel
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A Victorian pattern-parterre set in lawn
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