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Visitors find the Royal village along the River Wash, in the northwestern region of Norfolk. Ancient Celtic tribes began settlements in the county, which were later conquered by Romans. Prehistoric tools have been unearthed along with a nearby Roman villa. In 1086, the original name was Sant Dersingham, before being shortened to Sandringham. Documents indicate a residence existed on the site of the Royal Sandringham Estate from the year 1296. The Church of St. Magdalene was constructed sometime during the sixteenth century. The rural area remained relatively small with a present day population of little more than 400 people. Most current residents are employed by the Royal Family.
The manor estate belonged to the Cobbes family until 1686 when the property was obtained by the Hostes family. Family and friends continued ownership of the land until Queen Victoria purchased the estate from Charles Cowper in 1862. The manor would be home to Edward, Prince of Wales, and his new bride Alexandra. When Charles and his bride moved onto the property, the house consisted of a white stucco Georgian structure. His highness immediately began demolition and reconstruction, completing the home in 1863. The future king would continue building and repairing the property until his death in 1910. The current day estate sits on 8,000 hectares (20,000) acres, which includes farms, forested areas and gardens, along with a park.
Activities and Attractions
A visitor's centre, restaurant and gift shop accompany the massive estate. Guests find a variety of gifts, along with organically grown estate fruits, vegetables and meats. The restaurant serves hot/cold meals and snacks. Visitors also visit the Terrace Coffee Shop and the Stables Tea Room. The grand retreat of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth welcomes visitors to the ground floor rooms. Guests regularly take guided tours, exploring the Edwardian decor, artwork and treasured gifts bestowed upon the family in the last 150 years.
The property also houses the Queen's Royal racehorses. Former stables and coach houses are now museums. Guests may view an assorted collection of personal belongings from small dolls from the Middle East to an antique fire engine. Explore the gardens and Country Park on foot or aboard a tractor tour of the estate. The Church of St. Mary Magdalene also welcomes guests and continues holding worship services for the Royal Family and estate staff. Within the medieval carrstone building are gifts bestowed upon Queen Alexandra, which include a silver altar, pulpit and seventeenth century Spanish cross. The church also contains medieval stained glass, a ninth century Greek font and a Florentine font.
Places to Stay and Dining
Lodging in Sandringham includes a number of Victorian country estates. Besides modern amenities, fitness and leisure centres; the expansive facilities may contain art craft equipment, gift shops and libraries.
Try fresh seafood at the Park House restaurant, with selections that include mackerel or sole, prawns or scampi. The venue generally serves main dishes with garden salads, vegetables and home baked bread.
Accommodation in Sandringham
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