Oxburgh Hall

Oxburgh Hall

Oxburgh Hall has been in the Bedingfield family since 1482. The manor is a moated country home that despite appearances, was never used for fortification purposes, only to promote the power, prestige, and wealth of the family. However, all those things can be fleeting. During King Henry VIII's reign, he converted Great Britain to Protestant and formed the Church of England which created some difficulties for the Bedingfield family and their devout Catholic faith. 

Later, after many changes to the throne, the exile of the Stuart dynasty, and many fluctuations in  the family's prosperity, the Bedingfields faced great sufferings. Catholicism was not illegal, but Catholics were now scrutinized and restrictions placed on them. Catholics were not allowed to educate their children, were restricted from venturing further than 5 miles from their home, and many others. These restrictions created problems for the Bedingfield family. In order to pay taxes, dues, and other expenses, they needed to travel to London; however, they lived further than 5 miles, closer to 75 miles! Large debts arose that basically crippled the Bedingfields. It was also treason to house a Catholic priest. Oxburgh Hall has a "priest hole" in which a Catholic priest may have needed to be hid. It is open to visitors. 

Oxburgh Hall has also seen greatness and has been visited and helped by many of the Royal Families over the years. King Henry VII (King Henry VIII father), his wife, Queen Elizabeth of York stayed at Oxburgh Hall. One Bedingfield made an advantageous marriage that brought what is now called the Oxburgh Hangings. Needlework done by Mary, Queen of Scots and Bess Hardwick while at Chatsworth. Sir Henry was a supporter of Queen Mary I, escorted her to Framlingham Castle, and received a place in Mary's Privy Council.

Overall, Oxburgh Hall is a beautiful property with lots of history. The rooms were spectacular and the grounds even more so (it also helped that it was sunny and 75)! I especially love the Victorian style chimneys!

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House

Histories

At the edge of the Peak District, in the heart of Derbyshire, stands Chatsworth House. The home has been in the Cavendish family for nearly 500 years! Originally, Chatsworth comes from a Norse family called Chetel. Howerver, in 1549, the lands were sold to William Cavendish, Treasurer of the King's Chamber and his wife Bess Hardwick of Hardwick Hall.

The house has seen much history as the Cavendish status grew into Earldom and eventually Dukedom, the current occupier being the 12th Duke of Devonshire. Mary Queen of Scots was both guest and prisoner at Chatsworth. Queen Mary and Bess Hardwick were both skilled at needlework and worked together on what is now called the Oxburgh Hangings (can be seen at Oxburgh Hall).

The 5th Duke, William Cavendish, married Georgiana Spenser (a distant relation to Princess Diana). Georgiana was known for her beauty and fashion, as well as her gambling and alcohol addictions. It was no secret she entered a loveless marriage at the age of 17 in which the Duke took many mistresses, even fathering a daughter before his marriage to Georgiana. Georgiana raised the child as well as her own she had with the Duke, 2 girls and eventually a male heir. The 5th Duke and Duchess are renowned for their menage a trois and odd relationship which included Lady Elizabeth Foster who was both lover to the Duke and best friend to Georgiana. The Duke, Duchess, and Lady Foster all lived together. While it wasn't rare for men to take a mistress (or more) it was to have the mistress living in the same home. Georgiana eventually took a lover, Charles Grey, and had 2 more children. During this time, she was exiled to France. She gave up Charles Grey to return home to her children. She died in 1806. She left a lasting impression, not just in society, but also the Whig party of which she was a major influence which was highly unusual for a woman.

Continuing with scandal and public spotlight, Chatsworth also witnessed the tragedy of that belonging to President JFK's sister Kathleen 'Kick' and William 'Billy' Cavendish. Kick was the only rebel of the Kennedy family, an very devout Irish-Catholic family, and when she announced her intention to marry Billy Cavendish, a Protestant, much scandal surrounded the couple. Her family finally gave their consent in 1944, however, by the end of the year Kick was widowed as Billy was killed in Belgium during WWII. Kick was devastated. 4 years later, Kick herself died in a plane crash headed to France with lover Peter Fitzwilliam, also a Protestant, married, and known womanizer. Today, many do not know about Kick when thinking about the Kennedy's. It would seem that she has been silently erased from the family history.

The House

The house itself has seen changes, but not so much that it changed the integrity of the home. Throughout the years, the Cavendish families have added to the art and garden of the home, but none so much as the 6th Duke (also known as the Bachelor Duke). He was an avid traveller, collector of art and sculptures, and books. He was also an avid gardener. He spent 47 years re-purposing the house and gardens, converting various rooms to guest rooms for the likes of those such as Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, and expanding the gardens.

Today, the house is owned by the Chatsworth House Trust (the current Duke and Duchess actually pay rent to continue to live there). Not all of the home is open to visitors, to allow the Cavendish family their privacy while visitors are on the property. The house is adorned with art, sculptures, and so much history! The Painted Hall is probably the most beautiful in that the ceiling is one massive painted artwork. However, I am always partial to the library, and Chatsworth's does not disappoint! No wonder Jane Austen may or may not have based Pemberly on Chatsworth!

For fans of Jane Austen, Chatsworth House is featured in the Kiera Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice. There's also a large bust of Mr. Darcy (Matthew McFadyen), fan girl out!

York

York

York is such an incredible and beautiful historic city! The city has seen various peoples and various names from the Romans who called the city Eboracum to the Saxons when the city was known as Eoforwick to the Vikings who called it Jorvik. There are many things to see and do in and around York from the Gothic Westminster to chocolates!

The York City Walls

York has always been defended by walls since as early as the time of the Romans. Today, substantial parts of the walls still stand and visitors can walk the walls, known as the Bar walls. The Wall has 4 main gatehouses (or Bars) that were used to collect tolls or serve as defencive fronts in times of war. It is said that when the Queen comes to York, she must stop at the gate (Micklegate Bar) and ask permission from the Mayor to enter the city.

York Minster

York Minster was consecrated in 1472 after having taken about 250 years to build when Archbishop Walter de Gray ordered it's construction to rival that of Canterbury. It's the 2nd largest Gothic style cathedral in Northern Europe. York Minster became a pilgrimage for many. Walter de Gray even petitioned the Pope after the murder of Thomas Beckett and saw an increase in rivalry among the number of visitors to Canterbury. York did get its own Saint, granted by the Pope. York Minster also houses some of the most elaborate and biggest stain glass.

I found the Astronomical Clock to be fascinating. It was installed in 1955 as a tribute to those that served in World War II from around the surrounding areas. Bells chime every 15 minutes which is a neat sight to watch as two men sound the alarm. Also, you can climb the 275 steps to the top of the central tower and take in panoramic views of the city.

Jorvik Viking Centre

Go back in time to vikings and discover how they lived. The centre recently opened after being closed due to flooding in 2015. The site of the building is built on an archaeological dig site from 1976-81. You can walk over where archaeologists uncovered historical artifacts, take ride through the daily lives of the vikings, see artifacts from the time of the vikings, and even help make your own coin!

The Shambles

What I found most breathtaking is the historical preservation of medieval buildings and streets! The Shambles was by far my favourites street to just stroll. I admire the crooked and slanted buildings and love the exposed timber. There are numerous shops and eateries to walk past, my favourite by far is the Earl Grey Tea Room! If you have a chance, stop in for a bite, they have various specials plus a great menu, and the tea is delicious!

The Shambles is also known for it's inspiration as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. A new store just opened called The Shop That Must Not Be Named in May. It was somewhat crowded when we popped in, and if you're a Harry Potter fan, it's a must-see.

Chocolate

I don't know much about the history of chocolate in York, but that York is known for its chocolate making. Kit Kats, Smarties, and even Aero originated in York. Terry's is a popular chocolate factory that has since closed or been taken over by another company.. There is a place called the York Chocolate Story which you can tour to learn more about the history.. However, the BEST chocolate I tasted came from the York Cocoa House! They have many selections of chocolate truffles that range from traditional to unique flavors. Stout (which tastes like alcohol), Honey, Salted Caramel are just some of the flavors offered. Ever try a blue cheese and biscuit truffle? Not a huge fan, but interesting flavor!

There are many other things to see and do, but as they say, so much to see, so little time. Other attractions that one may find interesting is the Ghost Walks, Cat Walk, Clifford's Tower, various other museums. You can even take a steam engine train ride while in York! Looking for a great pub to eat? Try The Three Tuns, great fish and chips! Also, be sure you are wearing a WHITE rose rather than a Red..

Can you spot the cats?