Ep 7. Blickling Hall

The much-loved Antiques Roadshow is back with its 20th season and Episode 7 takes us to the magnificent Blickling Hall in Norfolk. This grand hall dates back to the 17th century and is steeped in history. It was once home to the Boleyn family, who were related to Queen Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. The present owners of Blickling Hall have welcomed the Antiques Roadshow team with open arms and have brought out some impressive antiques to be appraised.

The episode opens with Fiona Bruce, the presenter of Antiques Roadshow, giving viewers a quick tour of the Blickling Hall estate. We get to see the house and its beautiful gardens as Fiona discusses its history. We then meet the antiques enthusiasts who've brought along their treasured possessions in the hope of finding out their value. Dealers and experts in various fields of antiques are also present to offer their opinion.

One of the most exciting appraisals of the episode centers around a pair of chairs that a couple bought at a car boot sale for just £5. To the couple's surprise, the chairs are believed to be from the 17th century and have a value of £5,000 each. This just goes to show that sometimes it doesn't take a substantial investment to come across a valuable piece of furniture. Fiona is very impressed and is pleased to see the couple's reaction to the news.

Another fascinating appraisal involves a painting by a little-known female artist named Edna Clarke Hall. The painting was found in a shed and brought along to the show by the owner. It turns out that Edna Clarke Hall's work has become quite collectible, and the painting's value is put at around £5,000. This revelation comes as quite a surprise to the owner, who had no idea of the painting's potential worth.

There's also a poignant moment in the episode when a woman brings along a WWII medal awarded to her father. The medal has seen better days and is badly tarnished, but the sentimental value to the family is immense. The appraisal reveals that the award is one of the rare George Cross medals which honours civilians for acts of bravery. The owners are overwhelmed to learn that the medal is worth a considerable amount of money, and the expert handling the appraisal is impressed with its rarity.

Other appraisals throughout the episode include a beautiful embroidered wedding gown from the early 19th century, a fascinating collection of antique coins, and a spectacular piece of jade jewelry that belonged to a wealthy collector. There are also some unusual items such as a pair of Victorian dog collars and a rare collection of Nazi propaganda. As always, Fiona Bruce and the experts offer interesting insights into the history and provenance of each item.

Overall, the Antiques Roadshow UK season 20 episode 7 at Blickling Hall is a fascinating watch. The team have unearthed some exciting treasures, and their appraisals reveal a wealth of information about each item. It's a great reminder that sometimes the most unexpected things can end up being the most valuable and fascinating. Fans of the show will not be disappointed.