The Blounts of Kinlet & Their Incredible Tombs
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The Blounts of Kinlet & Their Incredible Tombs

In this episode, I head to the lush green county of Shropshire. Situated in the West Midlands and not far from the Welsh border, Kinlet is a tiny village nestled in the rural countryside. Although it once stood next to the Blount’s country manor house, today, the parish church of St John the Baptist appears to stand in solitary grandeur on top of a hill surrounded by parkland and green pastures.

However, this modest and unassuming medieval church is home to some glorious Tudor tombs belonging to the Blount family. In this episode of The Tudor History & Travel Show, Elizabeth Norton, author and historian, joins me as we explore the church and its connection to the family.

The 1502 Progress: Coberley Hall, Gloucestershire
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The 1502 Progress: Coberley Hall, Gloucestershire

John Felde gromes [grooms] of the Quenes chambre for thaire costes wayting upon the Quenes joyelles [jewels] from Langley to Northlache [Northleach] from Northlache to Coberley from Coberley to the Vineyarde from the Vyneyarde to Flexley Abbey from Flexley Abbey to Troye and from Troye to Ragland by the space of vj dayes…
Privy Purse Expenses of Elizabeth of York, 2 September 1502.

Just as with Northleach, the only way we know that Elizabeth and Henry travelled through Coberley on the 1502 progress is on account of an entry into Elizabeth’s Privy Purse, recording money paid to the Grooms of the Queen’s Chamber for their part in transporting her jewels from place to place alongside Elizabeth’s household.

This blog details the history of Coberley Hall and the royal visit of 1502.

3-Day Itinerary: London
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3-Day Itinerary: London

If you are visiting London, have three days to spend, and are wondering about some of the fascinating Tudor places you might explore, then look no further! I have curated some of my personal favourite locations to uncover.

While the first two days cover off what I call ‘the BIG three’ must-see locations. However, day three will bring some respite from the crowds. While staying in central London, I am taking you further afield to explore some of my favourite and certainly less often visited Tudor-themed places. However, if you find yourself with more time and may be looking for extra extra inspiration, you can check out my 5-day London guide, which builds on the three days outlined here. Also, I am including a link to download my ‘Tudor London Made Easy Guide’. This highlights 17 locations in London with links to Tudor history.

2-Day Itinerary: London
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2-Day Itinerary: London

If you are visiting London but only have two days to spare and you are wondering about some of the must-see Tudor places in London to visit, then look no further! Here are my recommendations for my ‘BIG three’ must-see locations: Westminster Abbey and Hall, The Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. However, if you need extra inspiration for more places to visit, or you are looking to substitute in a different location, then I am including a link to download my ‘Tudor London Made Easy Guide’. This highlights 17 locations in London with links to Tudor history.

In the meantime, let’s do some immersive time travelling!

A Weekend in Winchester, Hampshire
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A Weekend in Winchester, Hampshire

Winchester is quite possibly one of the most historic cathedral cities in England. From its pre-history as an Iron Age settlement to the large Roman town of Venta Belgarum; from the Anglo-Saxon capital of the Kingdom of Wessex to the centre of medieval power following the Norman invasion of England, Winchester has been left with deep roots of its historical past.

This means that the city is a history lovers delight. While there is little to see of the prehistoric and Roman periods, there is still much to be savoured of its medieval and Tudor past. In this guide, we travel to Winchester in Hampshire and highlight some fabulous historical places to visit!

5-Day Itinerary: London
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5-Day Itinerary: London

If you are visiting London, have five days to spend, and are wondering about some of the most fascinating Tudor places you might explore, then look no further! I have curated some of my personal favourite locations to uncover. While some are essential bucket-list destinations, others are well-hidden or largely off the usual tourist trail. However, they are all steeped in Tudor history and will surely satisfy your craving for some intensive Tudor time-travelling.

While the first two days cover off what I call ‘the BIG three’ must-see locations, days four and five will lead you further afield to explore some lesser-known Tudor-themed places. However, if you need extra inspiration, I am including a link to download my ‘Tudor London Made Easy Guide’. This highlights 17 locations in London with links to Tudor history, adding a couple more destinations not mentioned below.

I have also included the map below, so that you can see the spatial distribution of the following locations. Let’s go time travelling!

A Long Weekend Away in Tudor Derbyshire & South Yorkshire
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A Long Weekend Away in Tudor Derbyshire & South Yorkshire

In this guide, we travel to Derbyshire and just over the county border into South Yorkshire to visit Sheffield as we go on the trail of one of the most powerful families of the Tudor age: The Shrewsburys. 

The Earls of Shrewsbury were at the heart of Tudor intrigue throughout the sixteenth century, and in this long weekend itinerary, we explore two Shrewsbury properties, Hardwick Hall and Sheffield Manor Lodge. We will admire three magnificent tombs; those of the 4th and 6th Earls and the latter’s indomitable wife, Bess of Hardwick, before we round off our trip by a visit to Haddon Hall, a glorious medieval and Tudor time capsule in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.

So, let’s get going!

A Tudor Weekend in Monmouthshire
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A Tudor Weekend in Monmouthshire

Monmouthshire in South East Wales is a delightful area to visit. Two locations included in this itinerary are in the Wye Valley, just inside the Welsh border, in an area considered to be of outstanding natural beauty.

This two-day interary will take you to visit two fabulous castles and a ruined abbey. Chepstow Castle has deep roots in early medieval history, while Raglan was created as luxurious a palace-fortress during the fifteenth century by the powerful Herbert family. It’s connections to Henry VII make it a must-see location for anyone interested in early Tudor history. Finally, you can drive or walk to the idyllic Tintern Abbey, renowned for the beauty of its location, adjacent to the River Wye.

So, let us go exploring three wonderful Welsh locations…