Inside the Library at Oxburgh Hall

A watercolour of this room by Matilda Bedingfield around 1851 shows how little it has changed.

Created by J.C. Buckler for the 6th Baronet, Sir Henry Paston-Bedingfeld, in the 1830s, this library has a romantic, rather gothic appeal.

The marvellous wallpaper dates to 1832 and the metallic background suggests the hand of Thomas Willement, one of the leading designers of the period.

The fireplace includes beautiful medieval woodcarvings carvings and the five shields represent the Boyle, Jerningham, Paston, Bedingfield and Howard families.

When something looks this glorious, why would one change it?