One was a servant who declared herself the head of a household, and another was an American heiress who dreamed of becoming a politician. 

Fresh light has been shed on the secret stories of some of the people who lived at Blickling Hall a century ago thanks to a new partnership between the National Trust and the genealogy service Findmypast.

Researchers have been able to take a ‘deep dive’ into some of these hidden figures thanks to data from the 1921 census of England and Wales.

Megan Dennis, property curator, said: “It gives us a fascinating insight into the lives of everyday people at a time of great social change, with increasing civil rights and advancing technology, as well as a cost-of-living crisis. 

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North Norfolk News: Megan Dennis, property curator at Blickling Hall, examining a portrait of the hall's builder, Sir Henry HobartMegan Dennis, property curator at Blickling Hall, examining a portrait of the hall's builder, Sir Henry Hobart (Image: Kenny Gray, National Trust Images)

“It’s the first census to capture additional demographic data and includes people working as well as living in households.

"It helps us to understand the whole community of Blickling – not just the rich and famous owners, but the families that brought the estate to life.”

The 1921 survey was also the last census until the 1950s, as a fire destroyed the 1931 census and the Second World War prevented the next.

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Blickling’s owner at the time was Robert Henry Kerr, the 10th Marquis of Lothian, but he was not there on the day the census forms were returned. 

The hall was occupied by four domestic servants including Margaret Stuart, who dubbed herself head of the 15-room property. 

A woman called Zelia Hoffman went on to rent Blickling Hall from Lord Lothian in 1922 until her death in 1929. 

North Norfolk News: An extract from a page of the Daily News London of March 13, 1928, reporting Zelia Hoffman's political bid, under the headline 'Women Candidates'.An extract from a page of the Daily News London of March 13, 1928, reporting Zelia Hoffman's political bid, under the headline 'Women Candidates'. (Image: Image created courtesy of the British Library Board)

An American heiress and would-be politician, Zelia was born in Indiana and became the founder of the International Garden Club, as well as the Liberal candidate for North Norfolk in the 1929 election. 

She became a British citizen but failed to win the election.

North Norfolk News: A portrait of Zelia Hoffham by Sydney Percy Kendrick, which was gifted to the Bartow-Pell Mansion MuseumA portrait of Zelia Hoffham by Sydney Percy Kendrick, which was gifted to the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum (Image: Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum)

Step back in time

Blickling is set to host a weekend of activities about life in the 1920s and an opportunity to research family history on September 16-17.

The event is part of Heritage Open Days, which offers free entry to many places across Norfolk from September 8–17.

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Visitors can also have a go at researching their own family history in the estate’s second-hand bookshop, where they can collect family tree sheets and research using the Findmypast website.

Parking will be free at the estate on September 16-17.

Other National Trust sites offering free admission for Heritage Open Days include: Horsey Windpump - open Saturday, September 9, 10am-4pm; Felbrigg Hall and Gardens, open Wednesday, September 13, 10am-4.30pm; and Oxburgh Estate, September 16-17, 9.30pm-5pm.  

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate