"The Queen's Real Home"
A Royal Retreat
Sandringham in England and was the favoured country retreat of the late Queen. The Royal families' Norfolk country residence since 1862 with its sixty acres of glorious gardens, lawns and lakes, dells and glades. The house, set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare estate, 240 hectares of which make up the woodland and heath of the Country Park, open to the public free of charge every day of the year.
A Fine Heritage
The house has been used for over 150 years by four generations of the British Royal Family; most notably it was home to the young Prince Albert (the future King Edward VII). Sandringham House has witnessed many historical events and was the location of the deaths of three Kings; King Edward VII in 1901, King George V in 1935 and King George VI in 1952. Sandringham House was also the site of the first ever Christmas message given by a British monarch via radio broadcast by King George V in 1932.
A Family Home
George V, the Queen’s grandfather, described the house as “Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world”, and George VI, the Queen’s father, wrote to his mother “I have always been so happy here and I love the place”. Philip has been spending much of his retirement at Wood Farm, a farmhouse in Wolferton nestled in the far reaches of the estate. Prince William and Kate also live at Anmer Hall on the estate.
Sandringham Time
It was this passion for outdoor pursuits that led to the introduction of Sandringham Time, Sandringham Time (ST) was the inspired idea of King Edward VII who altered the clocks on his estate at Sandringham in Norfolk to half an hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Sandringham Time was also adopted at Windsor Castle and Balmoral. This was the official time on the estate between 1901 and 1936. This however led to some confusion during the final hours of George’s life (he died at Sandringham on 20th January 1936) and Edward VIII abolished ST on his accession in 1936.
A Day Out at Sandringham
It is really worth a visit to see a house that is just a family home used by the Royal family for their private holidays. The rooms open are beautiful and full of personal objects collected by all members of the Royal family. The museum is well laid out, full of interesting objects and an extensive collection of Royal vehicles. The guides are very knowledgeable and really interesting in explaining the history and items on display. The estate itself is beautiful with large classic gardens and also a 600 acre Country park with woodland trails and adventure areas. The church is home to many memorials to past members of the Royal family.
