During the 1535 royal summer progress, King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn stayed at Little Sodbury. The manor, originally built in the 15th century, was the home of Sir John Walsh and his wife.
The Walshes had employed William Tyndale “in the awkward days before he had fled abroad to escape Wolsey’s persecution” (Starkey, Pg. 532). Tradition has him beginning his translation of the bible in one of the bedrooms.
Sir John inherited the property in 1504 and remodelled the home in c. 1510-1520. In Greater Medieval House of England and Wales, Sir John’s work is described:
“A popular courtier, he added the south range, rebuilt the kitchen with its upper room, remodelled the hall windows and west bay, and extended the north wing” (Pg. 117).
The manor today is a mixture of several building periods.
Of the 15th century house remains the porch and the impressive Great Hall.
I imagine that Henry and Anne would have dined in the Great Hall during their visit in 1535.
I believe that although privately owned, it is possible to arrange an appointment to tour the Manor house. I have not yet been able to locate a contact person but will continue to pursue this.
Another important stop On the Tudor Trail!
View an image of the Manor house here.
View an image of the Great Hall here.
References Emery, A. Greater Medieval Houses of England and Wales: Volume III, Southern England, 2006. Starkey, D. Six Wives: The Queen of Henry VIII, 2003.
