A brief history of Oxburgh Hall

Two visitors standing outside Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk — Delve into 500 years of history at Oxburgh Hall

Despite its fortified appearance, the moated Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk was intentionally built as a family home. It was completed in 1482 for Sir Edmund Bedingfeld and the Bedingfelds have lived here ever since, surviving Civil War, periods of near dereliction, and, in the 20th century, the threat of demolition.

The Bedingfelds’ unshakable Catholic faith and commitment to preserving their history are a potent combination, expressed throughout this remarkable place in its architecture, collections and landscape. Add to this the family’s strong royal connections, and a powerful story unfolds.

Timeline

1274

The story begins with the De Weyland family

The De Weyland family is recorded as Oxburgh's first owners in 1274. Fast forward to 1434 and we see Thomas De Weyland, a deeply disliked man, stripped of his land after his swindling ways are discovered. He only manages to hold onto Oxburgh by putting the estate into his wife's name. It's from here we see Oxburgh's land pass to the Tuddenham family.

1482

Oxburgh Hall is built

Sir Edmund Bedingfeld inherits Oxburgh from his grandmother, Margaret Tuddenham and moves his family seat from Bedingfeld to Oxborough, where he builds his grand new house. A license to crenellate - a form of royal planning permission - is granted by Edward IV in 1482. His choice of brick was a bold statement at the time, as this building material was usually reserved for the most important buildings in the country, and not often used by anyone except the king.

View of Oxburgh Hall from the historic parkland

1483

A supporter of the House of York

Sir Edmund Bedingfeld was knighted at the coronation of Richard III. A great supporter of the House of York during the War of the Roses, the Yorkist falcon and fetterlock badge can be seen throughout the house.

The Yorkist falcon and fetterlock badge, used extensively at Oxburgh.

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