Double Delight for Visitors to East Anglia
England’s first prime minister Sir Robert Walpole was responsible for one of Norfolk’s most opulent country homes. Houghton Hall, near Kings Lynn.
Houghton Hall
The Hall was built from Yorkshire sandstone transported at considerable expense by sea from Whitby. Having inherited a small Jacobean manor house from his father at the turn of the 18th century, Walpole went on to make his fortune as British Minister at War, and began investing his wealth at Houghton in the 1720s, by which time he was Chancellor of the Exchequer and First Lord of the Admiralty.
The original elegant, if restrained, Palladian exterior was enhanced by the addition of lofty domes on each of the four corner towers, while the splendid interior reflects Sir Robert’s vast resources, and is extravagantly decorated and furnished. Sadly though, his magnificent collection of artwork was sold by his feckless grandson, the 3rd Earl of Orford, to Empress Catherine the Great of Russia. Visitors to Houghton can enjoy 350 acres of grounds, where white deer roam and a recently-renovated walled garden has received the coveted ‘Garden of the Year’ award from Christies.
An exhibition celebrating the Diamond Jubilee, which runs until September 30th, showcases the historic uniforms worn at the coronations of George IV, William IV, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Holkham Hall – Preserving Our Heritage
Not to be confused with Houghton Hall, another Norfolk gem is the stately home at Holkham Hall, less than 30 miles away near Wells-Next-the-Sea. Celebrated as the most distinguished of all England’s Palladian houses, Holkham Hall is surrounded by rolling countryside and one of the largest parklands in the whole of the country, landscaped by Capability Brown. Officially recognised as one of the ten most magnificent palaces, historical houses and castles in England, Holkham Hall is a member of the Historic Houses Association, dedicated to preserving our heritage in the interest of the nation.
Its collection of books, manuscripts, statues, furniture and paintings are an important source of interest to academic researchers, and many of its rich artefacts have been loaned to galleries and museums all over the world.
The popular Bygones Museum at Holkham Hall houses over 4,000 exhibits from days gone by, including vintage cars and steam engines, agricultural tools and mechanical toys. Based around an original collection owned by the late television presenter Dick Joice, best known for his ‘Bygones’ series which ran for more than 20 years on Anglia TV, the museum highlights how our homes and lifestyles have changed dramatically during the past century.
Nicki Williams writes for Gear-Zone, specialists in outdoor gear including walking shoes and wet weather clothing – this summer’s must-haves!