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!