Blickling Estate Library

With over 12000 books tucked away in this library, its no wonder its listed as a library of national significance. The hall is over 120 feet long and brims with amazing books.

To be honest, most of the books looked super boring - lots of political papers and user manuals - but beautiful none the less. I got excited to be told that the shelves are filled with some of the finest and rarest books from across the centuries, from highly decorated medieval manuscripts through huge encyclopaedias of wildlife to first editions of Jane Austen's classic novels and a couple of examples of 16th century erotica.... I didn't find any of those... and you can't read them if you did spot them.. If you can imagine the librarian from Monsters Inc... hmmm yep.. that was her - blue rinse hair and an expert on the SHHHHHHH noise. 

Most  of the books originally belonged to a scholar called Sir Richard Ellys whose books, even in his lifetime were considered to be the best academic collections in the country.  

Blickling Estate.. Little Treasures

I've blogged about the library and the gardens, but haven't as yet mentioned the treasure trove of incredible gems found scattered about the huge house.

Its so large, and so overwhelming its easy to bypass the little treasures. I've only taken a few photos - amongst literally the hundreds that are scattered around the house.

The top one is Stained glass windows - 14th century ones and quite rare as most medieval glass was smashed in the reformation.

Below is a foot carriage to take ladies around town quickly.. ( how uncomfortable must that have been)

The house had a room full of silverware - literally stuffed ceiling to floor.. wow.

Just one of the bedrooms - gold leaf, fabulous fabrics, so decadent.. and no - I don' think I'd sleep a wink in the bed,

Blickling Estate springtime gardens

What an incredibly beautiful springtime day. This Jacobean Hall was once home to the Boylen family - and yes, Anne lived here, but only for a short time.

The landscape, with its narrow hedges and tree lined lanes, woodlands and red brick buildings  has not changed much over the centuries.  The formal gardens make way into expansive fields, now bursting with flowers.

We took advantage of the sunshine to play some croquet on the lawns and chill and read a book amongst the flowers. There were plenty of beautiful nooks to hide away from others.