The Ghosts of Blickling Hall: Norfolk’s Haunted Manor



Nestled in the countryside of Norfolk, England, Blickling Hall is a grand Jacobean mansion known for its historic beauty, Tudor connections, and chilling ghostly legends. Built on the site of an earlier medieval manor, it is most famously linked to Anne Boleyn, the tragic second wife of King Henry VIII, whose spirit is said to haunt the estate. But Anne is not the only ghost to wander Blickling’s halls—many visitors and staff have reported phantom coaches, eerie figures, and unexplained sounds over the years.

The Haunting of Anne Boleyn: Anne Boleyn, executed by beheading in 1536 at the order of her husband, King Henry VIII, is Blickling Hall’s most famous ghost.

Her Birthplace: While the exact location of Anne’s birth remains uncertain, Blickling Hall is widely believed to be her childhood home.

The Headless Specter: On May 19th, the anniversary of her execution, Anne’s ghostly figure is said to return to Blickling Hall, riding in a spectral coach pulled by headless horses.

A Chilling Image: Dressed in white, Anne sits in the coach, holding her severed head in her lap. Upon arrival at the hall, she steps down and enters the building, vanishing into the darkness.

Eerie Atmosphere: Witnesses have reported feeling a sudden chill, seeing strange lights, and hearing soft footsteps in the hallways when her spirit is near.

Other Ghostly Residents of Blickling Hall

Sir Thomas Boleyn – A Father’s Torment

Anne Boleyn’s father, Sir Thomas Boleyn, is also said to haunt Blickling Hall.

A Cursed Soul: After failing to protect Anne from Henry VIII’s wrath, Thomas was said to be cursed for his role in her downfall.

A Ghostly Ride: His spirit is condemned to ride a phantom coach, racing across the Norfolk countryside with fire blazing from its wheels.

A Restless Presence: Some have claimed to hear galloping hooves in the dead of night, even when no horses are present.

Sir John Fastolf – The Warrior Ghost

A lesser-known but eerie presence at Blickling Hall is the spirit of Sir John Fastolf, a 15th-century knight and inspiration for Shakespeare’s character Falstaff.

A Shadow in the Night: His ghost has been seen roaming the corridors, dressed in full armor.

Whispers of the Past: Visitors have reported hearing faint murmurs in empty rooms, as if he is reliving old battles.

The Mysterious Grey Lady

A female specter, known as the Grey Lady, has been seen in the library and upper floors of Blickling Hall. Witnesses describe a sudden drop in temperature when she appears, followed by an overwhelming sense of sadness.

Strange Phenomena and Paranormal Activity

Beyond these famous spirits, many visitors and staff have experienced unexplained occurrences at Blickling Hall, including:

• Doors opening and closing on their own.
• Faint whispers and laughter echoing through empty rooms.
• Cold spots and flickering lights in areas with no electrical issues.
• Shadowy figures seen moving past windows at night.

A Hauntingly Beautiful Destination

Today, Blickling Hall is managed by the National Trust and remains a popular tourist attraction. While many come for its stunning gardens, grand architecture, and historical exhibits, others visit in hopes of encountering one of its famous ghosts.

Would you dare walk through its corridors on the anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s execution, knowing she might be watching from the shadows? Or would you stay far away from the phantom coach that races through the Norfolk night?