Blickling Hall and the Boleyns: Tracing a Tudor Tragedy
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Blickling Hall and the Boleyns: Tracing a Tudor Tragedy

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.

The 1535 Progress: Basing House, Hampshire
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The 1535 Progress: Basing House, Hampshire

After a short journey from Sherbourne St John, Anne and Henry arrived at Basing House, the principal seat of Sir William Paulet, Comptroller of the King’s Household, on 19 October 1535. One of the finest residences in the country, Basing House covered over 14 acres, and parts of the building rose to five storeys high.

While it is unclear whereabouts in the building the royal couple stayed, records suggest the impromptu two day visit cost Sir William Paulet in the region of £6000 (£600,000 in today’s money).

The 1535 Progress: Church House, Salisbury, Wiltshire
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The 1535 Progress: Church House, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Anne and Henry likely stayed in the present-day Church House during their 1535 progress stop in Salisbury, in the oldest part, the western range, which faces onto the River Avon. This splendid Tudor house still stands today, with many of its medieval features intact.

The 1535 Progress: Wolvesey Palace & Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire
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The 1535 Progress: Wolvesey Palace & Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire

A once luxurious palace, It is likely that Henry and Anne stayed at Wolvesey during their 1535 progress. The intended plan was to stay at Winchester for four or five days but the royal couple were so delighted with the sport on offer, they extended their stay to at least two weeks.

The 1535 Progress: Gloucester Abbey, Gloucestershire
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The 1535 Progress: Gloucester Abbey, Gloucestershire

On Saturday 31 July, 1535 Henry and Anne were met by the Mayor of Gloucester, John Falconer; aldermen; sheriffs, Thomas Payne and Richard Edwardes, and about 100 or so burgesses of the ‘town of Gloucester’. They stayed in Gloucestershire for six days, leaving Gloucester itself on Sunday 7 August.

A Long Weekend Away in Tudor Norfolk
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A Long Weekend Away in Tudor Norfolk

In this guide, we travel to Norfolk, a county steeped in significant Tudor history. At its centre is the city of Norwich, once England’s second-largest and wealthiest city after London. Its eminence was built on its thriving cloth trade, and it was here that the Boleyns established themselves and began to amass their fortune. Let’s find out more!

The 1535 Progress: Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire
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The 1535 Progress: Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire

On Monday 26 July 1535, the royal party left Sudeley Castle and made the seven-mile journey north-west to Tewkesbury. In keeping with protocol for all royal arrivals, the mayor and other dignitaries would have received the king, queen and their retinue just outside the town, with the two parties merging to travel in procession to the cathedral or abbey church.

The 1535 Progress: The Old Palace of Langley, Oxfordshire
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The 1535 Progress: The Old Palace of Langley, Oxfordshire

After the court had made the twelve-mile journey from Abingdon Abbey, they arrived at the Old Palace of Langley on 16 July , staying for five days. Today, perched on high ground to the south of the village of Shipton-Under-Wychwood, is the small hamlet of Langley, locally famous for being home to a site where it’s traditionally said once stood King John’s Palace. Although the Old Palace of Langley was extensively remodelled in 1858, the converted building includes Tudor walls and It’s still possible to see the initials H E, for Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, on a stone panel at the front of the farmhouse.