About Bylaugh

Bylaugh Hall has been brought back to life.

Bylaugh Hall, probably the most beautiful and imposing period mansions in Norfolk. It is deep in the Norfolk countryside and overlooks the Wensum river valley.


    Bylaugh Hall as seen from the main gates in 2007

"England, home and beauty" John Braham (The song of Nelson). 
'Retreat into splendour......home to the most romantic weddings, inspirational conferences, fine food experiences, and your home too for a few nights or a week or two - Bylaugh Hall was thus one of Norfolk's fascinating venues.' It is now to become a residence once again.

Ruined in the 1950s and rescued over the past few years from total oblivion. Its warm Ancaster stone walls now shine in the summer sun as they did when it was first built.

The South West Corner through one of the aches
                                                                                             Once upon a time, the Cultural Activities complemented both the Business Events and the Weddings at weekends. For example, there were regular art exhibitions in the Thin Cube gallery. There were dance classes on many evenings and weekends, from Tango to Salsa, from Ballroom to Swing and Line Dancing.

The music bonded it and all people together. There were frequent classic, jazz and folk concerts. The dancing, the art openings, live music and theatre, story telling and poetry reading with perhaps most important the Health. From talks, exercises, Yoga and Tai Chi, to massage, treatment and learning to cook healthily - one could call it a cultural centre, but no one called it such. It was a home to all who came.

Events take place in the Orangery and for a short time also in the main hall.

 The hall as it was in 1999

The team of local craftsmen, restorers and builders cared for each and every element of this building as the stones and carvings were recreated or just put back and Muffy used the family furniture throughout the bedrooms and principal rooms.

Businesses brought their conferences and seminars; the public their events, their parties and their weddings. Yet throughout, the buildings retained their tranquility - it remained a home. The businesses found they were in a 'retreat' location - far from the madding crowd - perfect for concentration. 

About Bylaugh

Bylaugh (pronounced beela, sometimes mis-spelt as Belaugh) is a tiny hamlet with a Saxon round towered church nestling by the river Wensum which flows on to Norwich. There is an Old Hall built in the 15th Century surrounded by lovely farm buildings and cottages belonging to the King family. Most of the other houses in this hamlet were built by the Evans-Lombe family for the Estate.

This new Bylaugh Hall is a small Stately Home built by Charles Barry (Architect of the Houses of Parliament) in 1850. In 1950 it was partially demolished and abandoned to the elements. Now it is coming gradually back to life.               

The Accommodation combines modern comforts with the style and elegance of the past. The Main Hall building remains closed to the public whilst the job of restoration continues. It is the buildings of the beautiful and picturesque East Wing that can be rented, usually simply as holiday housese for a week or two, or for the weekend.

Because Bylaugh Park is a quiet retreat tucked away from the busy crowds, roads and noise it makes the perfect businessmans venue, be it for training sessions, product launches, team building or any of the many other things that businesses wish to get away and do.

The Hall, Quadrangle, Clock-Tower, WinterGarden, Orangery  from the air in 2008

Bylaugh was on the BBC

For just for a few days we can see a little bit of Bylaugh that was broadcast last Friday night on BBC's Inside Out.
David Whiteley talked to photographer Brian Wells about his love and photographs of 'derelict' Norfolk. Brian took some pictures of Bylaugh Hall before it was restored. Almost in the exact middle of this programme (clip) you will find them talking about Bylaugh Hall ! For Bylaughphiles this is quite a moving moment, wonderful filming - poignant  words and images of 'fore and 'aft at Bylaugh - all on the tele.

Then the BBC changed their minds.

The Pictures
Top - The Hall Circle and Main Entrance in 2007
Next - Front of the Hall before restoration  in 1999
3rd down - Vie from the Air
4th down - The Blue Reception Room 

More of the history of Bylaugh on this page soon ....