The Blickling Estate today covers some 5,000 acres of gardens, parkland and farmland and is secured for the future by the National Trust. Although undoubtedly the most famous previous owners were the Boleyn family who resided here during the 15th century. A statue and portrait of Anne Boleyn may be found at Blickling Estate which carry the inscription, “Anna Bolena hic nata 1507” (Anne Boleyn born here 1507). Although Anne’s life was to eventually come to a sharp end, it is said that her headless ghost does manifest itself in the highways and byways around the area. She is reported to often be seen in a horse-drawn carriage driven by an also headless coachman.
During the Second World War, the house was requisitioned as part of the war effort as amess for officers based at RAF Oulton. RAF servicemen and women were billeted in the ground in Nissen huts, and the lake was used by pilots as a place to practice dingy drills. The National Trust has created an RAF Oulton museum on the site which can be visited.
Further on the impressive Blickling Mill will come into view. The original mill that stood here burned down sometime before 1559 and was rebuilt during that summer apparently from the ground up by Sir James Boleyn. During the 1900s the mill had three storeys, but neglect made the building unsafe and two were removed. The mill sits at the end of some impressive and nature rich water meadows, which during the summer buzzes with the sound of bees and other insects.
One of the most unexpected and impressive structures you will discover during your walk is the Grade II listed pyramid-shaped Mausoleum. An unusual structure to find in the Norfolk countryside which was designed by architect Joseph Bonomi the Elder. It was based on the Roman tomb of Cestius Gallus and was built after the death of the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire, John Hobart, in 1793, being commissioned by one of his four daughters. His two wives, Mary Anne (Drury) and Caroline (Conolly), are also buried in the Mausoleum with him. You can look through the windows and go round the back to read the memorial stone, which is topped by the emblem of the Hobart family – a magnificent bull. While walking you might well spot a Tower which can be seen across a field. The tower was built for the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire, John Hobart so that he and his guests could watch horses race.
