April 2018 – Houghton Hall and Walpole

On Tuesday 3 April, we enjoyed a most informative talk by Chris Boxall, who has been a guide at Houghton Hall for 23 years, on the subject of “Houghton Hall and Walpole”. Chris pointed out that Sir Robert Walpole remains the longest-serving prime minister in British history, and was the first English minister to occupy 10 Downing Street. Besides recounting the vicissitudes of Walpole’s career, Chris outlined the history of Houghton Hall and how the current Hall, on Walpole’s instructions, is the third to have been built on the site – with new stables and a new village as well! There are three statues, representing justice, oratory and wisdom –all, apparently, things that Walpole associated with himself!  In 1976 the Hall was opened to the public for the first time. Full details of  exhibitions, events etc.  are on the Hall’s website.

The talk was very well received and Chris was thanked by the Chairman, Jack Broughton.