HistorY OF RAYNHAM HALL
A living estate with nearly 900 years of heritage
Raynham Hall has stood for over 400 years – but its story begins even earlier. The lands surrounding the Hall have belonged to the Townshend family since the 12th century. Today, it remains not just one of the most elegant country houses in Norfolk, but a living family home.
17th century: a visionary beginning
In 1619, Sir Roger Townshend – an inspired amateur architect – began construction on Raynham Hall. Drawing influence from Inigo Jones and the classical forms of the Low Countries, the house was startlingly advanced for its time.
Amid the turbulence of the English Civil War, the Townshend family emerged with strengthened ties to the crown. Sir Horatio Townshend, Sir Roger’s younger brother, was instrumental in the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, accompanying Charles II back to England from exile. The King, along with the Duke of York and other royals, visited Raynham in 1671 – a powerful symbol of favour and influence.
It was also during this time that Horatio laid out the 800-acre parkland, now a defining feature of the estate. Upon his death, Raynham was described as “the noblest pyle among us.”
18th century: political power and Palladian beauty
The early 1700s saw Raynham transformed by Charles “Turnip” Townshend, 2nd Viscount, a political figure and pioneering agriculturalist. He remodelled the Hall in the new Palladian style – introducing a grand entrance and the magnificent staircase still admired today.
The 2nd Viscount also helped ignite the British Agricultural Revolution, championing crop rotation and innovation. His legacy was extended by his sons:
- George Townshend, later 1st Marquess Townshend, had a distinguished military and political career, serving as Viceroy of Ireland.
- Charles Townshend, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, authored the Townshend Acts – infamously taxing goods in the American colonies. These measures helped spark the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution.
19th and 20th century: a family home endures
Balls Park in Hertfordshire was inherited through marriage, and Raynham Hall became a secondary residence for a time. The family returned to Norfolk in the early 20th century, and Raynham has remained their permanent home ever since.
Public service continued to shape the family’s legacy, with both the 4th and 5th Marquesses serving in Parliament and later the House of Lords.
During the Second World War, Raynham Hall was requisitioned by the British Army. The family lived alongside stationed troops, and bullet holes on the top floor remain as quiet witnesses to those years.
George Townshend, 7th Marquess, played a key modernising role. He founded Anglia Television in the 1950s and was instrumental in restoring the Hall and consolidating the estate’s land holdings. His efforts laid the groundwork for the Raynham you see today.
Raynham’s story is one of continuity and resilience, where personal histories and national events are layered into the walls of a still-lived-in home.
21st century: renewal and responsibility
Raynham Hall remains a private family home and the heart of a working estate, now led by Tom Townshend, Viscount Raynham. Since 2016, he has served as CEO of the Raynham Estate, bringing professional expertise in estate management and a forward-looking approach to stewardship.
Under his leadership, Raynham has embraced diversification, sustainable agriculture and considered rewilding, ensuring the estate remains vibrant and resilient for generations to come.
Octavia, Viscountess Raynham, has played a leading role in the renovation of estate properties. She also designed the interiors of the Wild Meadow yurts and, together with her husband Tom, is working on the restoration of Raynham Hall.
Today, Raynham is not only a house of great historical significance but also a living, evolving estate rooted in its heritage, led with care and shaped for the future.
Raynham Secret Supper Club and
Sunday Lunch at The Copse
13/14 September 2025
Seasonal feasting. Long tables. Norfolk skies.
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