Blickling Hall is a grand Manor in Norfolk, built on the site of a previous medieval Home said to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn. The current building was constructed during the reign of King James I, by the Hobert Family.
The residence has it’s fair share of awesome, yet gruesome ghost stories, and is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in Norfolk. Here are some of the most famous Ghosts of Blickling Hall.
The Headless Ghost of Anne Boleyn
On the 19th May, the anniversary of her execution, Anne Boleyn is said to arrive at the house by horse and carriage, driven by a headless coachman, with her own head on her lap. Witnesses say the horse drawn carriage vanishes as it reaches the steps of the house.
Dressed all in white, as her carriage leaves, she is said to wander the corridors and rooms until morning.
A member of staff recalled walking into the gallery, and at the far end of the library, noticed that there was a lady reading a book. As she approached the lady vanished. The book the lady had been reading, was on Holbein’s paintings, and it was open at his painting of Anne Boleyn.
There is a portrait of her in one of the rooms, which reads, “Anna bolena born here 1507”.
The Spirit of Sir Thomas
Anne Boleyn’s father, Sir Thomas, is also said to haunt Blickling Hall. It’s said that he was cursed for failing to try and prevent the execution of two of his children, by King Henry VIII.
Each year his ghost has to attempt to cross 12 bridges before daybreak, as an act of penance. His route to cross the 12 bridges takes him through Blickling to Aylsham, Burgh, Buxton, Coltishall, Meyton, Oxnead and Wroxham.
The Ghost of Lord Rochford
Witnesses have also described seeing the ghost of Lord Rochford, the brother of Anne Boleyn, who is also headless. This time though, without the comfort of the horse drawn carriage, he is dragged through the grounds and surrounding countryside by four headless horsemen.
Sir John Fastolf
Sir John Fastolf was a 15th century knight who later became the inspiration behind William Shakespeare’s Falstaff. He is mentioned in 4 plays and appears on stage in 3 of them. Fastolf was a previous owner of the property, as well as owning a lot more land in the area. He died in Norfolk in 1459.
His ghost has been seen wondering around the grounds by visitors.
The Dying Groans of Sir Henry Hobert
Sir Henry Hobart purchased the estate in 1616, and built the present day structure.
Sir Henry Hobart’s dying groans are said to be heard emanating from the West Turret Bedroom on the anniversary of his death.
There are many stories and experiences associated with the paranormal and visitors to the residence, but the house is well worth a visit.
In a poll run by the National Trust, it was named the Trust’s most haunted building.
