In this episode of The Tudor History & Travel Show, I visit Fountains Abbey and Fountains Hall in North Yorkshire. Join me to follow the story of one of the wealthiest and most powerful monasteries in the north of England whose fortunes were transformed forever by the religious upheavals of the 1530s.
Journey north into the rugged landscapes of Lancashire and Cheshire, where three remarkable Tudor houses reveal a very different side of Tudor England. From the religious defiance of Hoghton Tower and the Catholic secrets of Speke Hall to the extraordinary timber-framed beauty of Little Moreton Hall, discover a landscape shaped by faith, family and political upheaval.
In this episode of The Tudor History & Travel Show, I visit Tretower, a remarkable castle and court nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Welsh Marches. I explore the site with Ian Roberts, Head Custodian of Tretower Court and Castle, who shares his incredible knowledge as we uncover the stories behind its imposing tower, its powerful medieval owners and the remarkable court that followed.
In this episode of The Tudor History & Travel Show, I visit the Weald and Downland Museum, where more than 50 rescued historic buildings have been reconstructed to tell the story of everyday life in England over the past 1,000 years. Set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, it’s a remarkable place where history is brought to life.
This show notes page accompanies my on-location visit to Chirk Castle in north-east Wales, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country. Built for Edward I between 1295 and 1310, Chirk was originally constructed as a formidable fortress to help secure English rule in Wales.
Just as with Beverston, the mention of Cotes as a location on the 1502 progress is fleeting.
Coates is a parish about three miles west of Cirencester in Gloucestershire. During the medieval and Tudor periods, Cirencester was a thriving wool town. Henry had visited Cirencester before, on at least one occasion. The choice of Cotes Place as a lodging for the royal party may have meant that the King could rekindle acquaintances with the wool merchants of the nearby town.
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Gloucester is a city steeped in history. Nestled 19 miles from the Welsh border and straddling the Roman Ermin Street, it has variously been known as ‘The Gateway to the West’ or ‘The Crossroads of Kings’. I invite you to journey through Gloucester’s medieval and Tudor past—to wander the cloisters, linger at forgotten priory walls, and trace the echoes of a city that once stood shoulder to shoulder with England’s greatest.
This show notes page accompanies my on-location visit to Raglan Castle in Monmouthshire, Wales. This late medieval castle has some incredible Tudor features, many still visible today. This blog and images accompany a podcast episode, recorded at Raglan Castle.
Tucked between the edge of Wales and the rolling green heart of England, Herefordshire, once a volatile frontier zone, bears the architectural and emotional imprint of centuries past. We discover its Tudor past, from crumbling castles and timber-framed market halls to sacred textiles and whispering moats.
This show notes page accompanies the third podcast episode in a mini-series to commemorate the life of Katherine of Aragon. I visit Peterborough Cathedral, where Katherine is buried, to learn more about this exquisite building. This show notes page includes a gallery of images and accompanies a podcast episode.
