Ex-US Navy and US National Security Agent Charles Weigand publishes his first book, ‘The Boleyns of Blickling’, about the famous Norfolk family.
From Brooklyn, New York to Blickling, Norfolk, Charles Weigand, known as Chuck to his friends, has packed in a lot in 78 years. Following in the footsteps of his father, who died in the Second World War, Chuck joined the US Navy, served in the Vietnam War and, after a long stint as a US National Security Agent, has spent the last few decades in the UK. At 78, he has also just written and published his first book.
‘The Boleyns of Blickling: From plough to crown in 100 years’ chronicles the rise of the Boleyn family, from humble farming roots in Salle, Norfolk, to wealth, nobility and crucially, influence. The latter particularly springs to mind regarding their most famous member, the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, who was born at Blickling.
‘The Boleyns of Blickling’ can be purchased at the Blickling Estate shop, at most local bookshops or online through Bittern Books, a Norfolk-based business specialising in regional books. All royalties go to supporting the National Trust, a conservation charity that cares for the Blickling Estate.
“As a National Trust volunteer, Chuck has dedicated many hours of his time to our charity,” says Megan Dennis, property curator of the Blickling Estate. “This book chronicles years of his own personal research into the Boleyn family and we are pleased to be stocking it in our shop, the contributions from which help support the vital conservation work needed to look after the Blickling Estate for future generations to enjoy.”
Despite his American roots, Chuck has always been interested in British history, and particularly the Tudors.
“It was a beautiful day when I first stepped inside Blickling Hall,” recalls Chuck. “It was amazing, it was like I’d been tapped on the shoulder. Something said, it’s your turn, and I knew what it meant. I volunteered that day, and I’ve been with them ever since.”
Volunteering grew Chuck’s interest in the history of the estate, resulting in numerous self-penned articles detailing historical events and families connected to Blickling Hall. Once he started uncovering more on the Boleyn family, and in particular their rise in power and influence, that’s when things “took off”.
“I didn’t like the way they were treated; they were railroaded, and that fires me up! That’s what started me really getting into this,” he says.
As Chuck’s articles stacked up, local writer Joy Beresford Frye, who wrote a biography on another famous Blickling Hall resident, John Hobart, 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire, suggested he turn them into a book. Enthused by the prospect, Debbie Malin, who runs the National Trust shop on the Blickling Estate, contacted local wholesaler Bittern Books, who had helped with the release of Joy’s book.
“Editing the articles to create the book was an interesting experience,” says Steve Haines, owner of Bittern Books. “I learnt a lot in the process and it was great to work with Chuck.
“The Boleyn story is fascinating. A small Norfolk family creates a dynasty. While there’s a lot of work out there on the family, there isn’t much that brings it all together, and in an accessible way, which is what we wanted to do with this book.”
As a key instigator and fellow advocate of both the Estate and Chuck, Debbie is particularly enthusiastic about the book’s release.
“I’ve known Chuck for a few years, and while it’s been hard work to get it all set up, it’s just so worth it,” says Debbie. “Chuck is so enthusiastic, and visitors just love him!”
Early sales have been promising, with re-prints already on the way. As Chuck regularly volunteers on the estate, those that do purchase the book won’t need to look far to find him and get their copy signed.
‘The Boleyns of Blickling: From plough to crown in 100 years’ by Charles Weigand is published by Bittern Books, ISBN 9781913415501, available from the National Trust shop at the Blickling Estate, bookshops throughout East Anglia and online at bitternbooks.co.uk.
Bittern Books specialises in East Anglian books and maps, both as a wholesale business, distributing to retail outlets throughout East Anglia, and also selling direct through its website. For further details, call Bittern Books on 01603 739635, visit https://bitternbooks.co.uk or email steve@bitternbooks.co.uk.
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