In this guide, we travel north to south through an area once known as ‘The Welsh Marches’. This was the border area between England and Wales, comprising the counties of Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. It was infamous for its lawlessness and, in the sixteenth century, still ruled over by powerful Marcher Lords on behalf of the English Crown.Â
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.
Acton Scott Hall is a Grade II* listed Elizabethan mansion. One of the earliest brick houses in Shropshire, Acton Scott Hall has oak-panelled reception rooms, Jacobean woodwork and friezes, unique fireplaces and a collection of fascinating family heirlooms.
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.
This blog accompanies my on-location visit to Ludlow Castle, to commemorate the death of Arthur Tudor. I explore the history of Ludlow Castle as a location associated with Arthur Tudor and Princess Mary, who, as Princess of Wales, followed in her uncle’s footsteps by spending time at Ludlow. Included is a gallery of accompanying images taken during my recent visit.
