Fellbrigg

Not ten miles from Blickling is Fellbrigg, now also owned by the National Trust, and of a similar date.  This is the one for those who love stories of  eccentric ancestors.

One of the Wymondhams went on the Grand Tour around Europe for four years and returned with so many works of art that he needed to add a wing to the house to fit them all in.

Another returned engaged to an older lady in Switzerland, a long engagement followed by an expensive settlement for breach of promise when he found love with someone more locally.

The art installation here explores the idea of a cabinet of curiosities.  The curator of the piece was allowed access to items store in the attics which were then assembled in various ways.  This was certainly an improvement on the torrents of books, as far as we were concerned.  But, in fact, you did not need to hunt through the attics to find oddities.

My husband assured me that this is not what it seems!  Apparently oil from sperm whales was used to make candles.

And what about this?

Imagine trying to lift this when full of boiling water.  The whole kitchen was a delight for the eye.

In contrast, the dining room looks quite cold.

We took a stroll around the parkland: mature trees, a lake and its own church.

This is another church with fine ancient memorial brasses in the floor, covered with drugget and carpet pieces to protect them.

Perhaps the most eccentric of the Wymondhams had developed the habit while at Eton of dressing up as a train guard and going down to the station to join in the running of the railway, causing havoc.  He would have been happy at the Sheringham to Holt Steam railway. Later, he was caught by a lady of dubious virtue who robbed him blind, causing the house to be sold.

Fellbrigg is certainly worth a visit, if you are in the area.