In this guide, we travel north to south through an area once known as ‘The Welsh Marches’. This was the border area between England and Wales, comprising the counties of Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. It was infamous for its lawlessness and, in the sixteenth century, still ruled over by powerful Marcher Lords on behalf of the English Crown.Â
This show notes page accompanies my on-location visit to Haddon Hall in Derbyshire. Left untouched for nearly 200 years, Haddon escaped the architectural and decorative changes of later periods, making it an extraordinary time capsule.
Discover Wolveton Gatehouse in Dorset. Once a grand entrance to the now-lost Wolveton House, this stunning structure is available to let as historic holiday accommodation.
In this guide, we travel to Rutland, England’s smallest county. Covering only 147 square miles, this rural county nevertheless boasts some glorious countryside and a diverse and fascinating array of heritage locations. We discover its Tudor history and connections.
Discover Warden Abbey in Old Warden, Bedfordshire. This remarkable property is the only surviving fragment of a once-grand Cistercian monastery, originally founded in 1135. Today, it provides a rare opportunity to stay in a piece of living history – combining the charm of medieval architecture with modern comforts.
Discover Oxnead Hall, home to the Paston family from the 1400s to the 1700s. Famous for the Paston Letters, one of the most significant collections of personal correspondence from medieval times, over 1000 letters from that period were found at Oxnead in 1735.
These show notes accompany a special commemorative podcast episode from Blickling Hall, as we mark the anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s execution on May 19 1536. Often believed to be her birthplace, Blickling offers a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to reflect on Anne’s dramatic life, legacy and tragic end.
Explore the stories, legends, and Tudor connections hidden within this historic Norfolk estate, as we delve into the life of one of history’s most fascinating queens.
This show notes pages accompanies my on-location podcast from Worcester Cathedral. To commemorate the anniversary of the premature death of Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, I have recorded a two-part podcast series. In this episode, Part II, I follow the story of Arthur’s body’s transfer to Worcester Cathedral for burial.Â
Tiverton Castle was an important seat of power in Devon, often associated with the Earls of Devon (the Courtenay family), who lived in the castle from 1293-1556. Today it offers a range of self-catering accommodation for groups of 2-6 guests.
One of the delightful things about researching this series is how uncovering the history of one location has unearthed yet…
