In 1909, 1925 and 1938, the people of Aylsham staged a masque at Blickling Hall in Norfolk to celebrate the life of Anne Boleyn. Walter Nugent Monck, theatre director and founder of the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich, wrote the play specifically for staging in the grounds of Blickling Hall, a grand Jacobean house built in the early seventeenth century on the footprint of a house that was home to the Boleyns for over a century, and traditionally said to be where, in around 1501, Anne Boleyn was born.
I’m delighted to be able to share with you some pictures of these pageants courtesy of Aylsham Town Archives. Please note that these images cannot be reproduced without permission. The first two are from the staging of the play in 1909, followed by two photos from the 1938 production, where the main characters were played by Lord and Lady Lothian and the performance attended by the dowager Queen Mary. The final image is a copy of the poster advertising the 1938 production.
Courtesy of Aylsham Town Archives
Courtesy of Aylsham Town Archives
Masque of Anne Boleyn 1938. Courtesy of Aylsham Town Archives
Courtesy of Aylsham Town Archives
Courtesy of Aylsham Town Archives
With a cast said to have numbered over 300, these were lively and lavish events, which helped raise money for the local community. Although Henry VIII tried to obliterate the memory of his second wife, the people of Norfolk were not so quick to forget their Anne.
I would love to see the Masque of Anne Boleyn staged today, in the perfectly manicured and atmospheric grounds of Blickling Hall.
Blickling Hall, Norfolk
What wonderful pictures Natalie, thank you for sharing them. They must have wonderful events to see and experience, and like you I would love to see it done again.
I am sure there was a programme for sale on eBay for the 1930s event some months back, was going to bid for it but missed the chance.
I just had a little look yesterday and saw that one had come up for sale but alas, I was too late! Another thing to search for now, Dawn.
Fantastic photos. The costumes look lavish, and a horse and a hound too! In the past people had more of a sense of community and were prepared to go to great lengths to benefit other people. I bet these events were talked about for many a year. And were still talking about it today, brilliant.
In this age of speed and instant global communication these photos show the importance and pleasure of one’s own national and timeless historical heritage.
Great article – thanks for sharing the pictures.
So interesting, thank you so much for all your hard work!
Hello
I work for the Maddermarket Theatre, which was founded by Walter Nugent Monck but we have very few records of the Masques performed at Blickling. I’m wondering if you have contact details for the Aylsham Town Archives as we would like to get in touch and hopefully add to the theatre’s archive. As we’ve just had the opening night of our production of Howard Brenton’s play, Anne Boleyn, there’s a renewed interest in our connection to Blickling and the Masques.
While I’m here I’m just going to have a quick look around as it looks to be a beautiful site 🙂
Dawn Brindle , Thearte Administrator
Hello Dawn, I contacted the Aylsham Town Archives via their general email. Here is a link to their contact page: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/searches/locresult_details.asp?LR=2891. I do hope this helps! Natalie