On 14 July 1535, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn made the ten-mile journey from Ewelme to Abingdon en route to Langley. This was not the first time that the couple had relied on the hospitality of this great monastic house, as they had spent time there in late August 1532.
After staying at Reading Abbey, the second stop of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s 1535 progress was Ewelme Manor. While staying there Henry VIII asked for the property to be returned to the crown. Ewelme once more became a royal residence and was used by the king as a lesser house, a place where he retreated for greater privacy with a select group of friends while on hunting trips.
On 8 July 1535, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn left Windsor Castle bound for Reading Abbey. The twelfth century monastery was founded by William the Conqueror’s youngest son, Henry I, and was the first stop on a summer progress to the West Country and Hampshire, and at only a day’s ride away from Windsor, it was a very convenient staging post.
In this episode, I head to West Horsley Place in Surrey, southeast England. After being seized by Henry VIII, he gave the estate to his cousin and childhood friend, Henry Courtenay who lived in the house with his wife, Getrude until his death in December 1538.
Name and Title: Katherine Parr (she signed her letters Kateryn Parr), Queen of England.
Born: Blackfriars, London, c.1512.
Died: 5 September 1548.
Buried: Sudeley Castle Chapel, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire.
In this blog we explore the life, death and burial of Queen Katherine Parr…
In this episode, I head to the county of Suffolk to visit Otley Hall. A house of enormous historical significance, the part-timber, part-brick building is a traditional Tudor design and retains many original features.
I’m joined by Louisa Flavell, who moved to Otley Hall in 2020 and is committed to bringing this stunning Tudor building back to its former glory.
Gloucester Cathedral witnessed the coronation of the young Henry III in 1216 and a visit from Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1535. The current cathedral, as we know it today, was predominantly built between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries. It is known for its glorious Gothic architecture, tombs and the finest cloisters in the country.
The cathedral is also famous for its stunning medieval stained glass windows.
In this episode, I head to the south coast of England and the Isle of Wight.
I’m joined by Dominic Fontana, retired professor from Southampton University and expert in The Battle of the Solent. We explore both the French and English perspectives of this naval battle between Henry VIII and Francis I of France.
In this episode, I head to the county of Hampshire in southern England.
I’m joined by Aisha Al-Sadie, Learning and Heritage Officer at Winchester Cathedral. We tour this incredible building and stand in the exact same places where important Tudor events unfolded.
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.
