In this guide, we travel to the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). In the Tudor period, the Cotswolds were renowned for supplying the best quality wool in Europe. Today, picture-perfect villages and lush, rolling hillsides surround some incredible Tudor places. Let’s go time travelling!
In this episode, I visit Pitchford Hall in Shropshire. Built around 1560, Pitchford Hall is one of England’s finest examples of a half-timbered Elizabethan house.
Name and Title: Sir Ralph Sadler.
Born: 1507 in Hackney, London.
Died: 30 March 1587 at Standon, Hertfordshire.
Buried: St Mary’s Church, Standon, Hertfordshire.
Read more and see images of the tomb here…
In this episode, I visit Layer Marney Tower in Essex. I’m shown around by its owner, Sheila Charrington. We explore this stunning Tudor gatehouse, the tallest of its kind in the UK. Its impressive height and elaborate brickwork, showcase the wealth and ambition of its creator, Lord Henry Marney.
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).
Anne and Henry stayed at the Vyne for four days from 15 October 1531. Once rivalling Hampton Court Palace in size, this magnificent moated manor house retains some of its original features and furnishings.
After a couple of day’s lodging at Cotes Place, Henry and Elizabeth moved to their next destination: Fairford, in Gloucestershire, a once eminent Cotswold wool town.
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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.
In this episode, I head to the city of Leicester as we travel back to August 1485 and the Battle of Bosworth. Joined by our guide, Steve Bruce, we visit some of the main sites associated with Richard III’s time in the city.
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.
