On the Tudor Trail» Tudor treasure

Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn visit Shurland Hall in 1532

Natalie — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:26:21 +0000

In October 1532, while on their way to Calais to meet King Francis I, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed for three days at Shurland Hall on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

Shurland Hall was a Tudor palace owned by one of Henry VIII’s most trusted courtiers, Thomas Cheyne. It was built between 1510 and 1518 on the site of a previous 13^th century castle.

Plans of Shurland Castle

Thomas Cheyne began his service to the English Crown during the reign of Henry VII and amazingly served every Tudor monarch thereafter. He was knighted in 1513 and was a favourite of Anne Boleyn who fought Cardinal Wolsey for his promotion in 1528 and 1529. Cheyne was present at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520 and served as an ambassador to France three times between 1549-1553. He died in 1558 during the reign of Elizabeth.

Cheyne was almost bankrupted by the cost of Henry and Anne’s visit in 1532. A visit from the king was a great honour but it also meant a visit from the 300 or so people in the king and queen’s retinue. Plus Sir Thomas himself had a staff of over 100 people.

We can imagine that Anne, newly created Marquess of Pembroke, would have been awaiting her upcoming meeting with King Francis with nervous anticipation. She was well aware that Henry planned to try and enlist Francis’ much needed support for their upcoming wedding.

These feelings of anticipation and excitement are all recorded in the fabric of the ancient walls and the well-trodden grounds at Shurland Hall making it an important stop on the Tudor Trail.

Unfortunately, the Palace fell into complete disrepair and all that remains today of this once grand Tudor Palace are the shell of the gatehouse and fragments of the great hall, where Anne and Henry would have been lavishly entertained during their visit.

Shurland Hall's Gatehouse

With the help of the Spitalfields trust, what is left is being restored and there are plans to open part of it to the public with the rest being used as a private residence.

Sources:

BBC Article

BBC Article2

Thomas Cheyne

Sheppey Website

Henry VIII’s Bible

Natalie — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:32:51 +0000

I recently came across an article about Henry VIII’s 500 year old prayer book that contains the writing of five Tudor monarchs! This is undoubtedly a one of a kind and true Tudor treasure!
As well as writings by Henry VIII, there are writings by his son, Edward, his eldest daughter, Queen Mary, his last wife, Catherine Parr and his daughter, Queen Elizabeth I. Other parts of the book also contain prayers and psalms written by Henry VIII himself.
The Proby family have owned the book for over a century and understand that it offers a ‘real connection’ to this notorious King.
I definitely agree with this statement and feel that we are closest to them (all those that we love from the past) when we’re standing in spaces where they once stood or holding an item that was once warm in their hands.
I hope to one day see this amazing treasure for myself. But until then, reading about them will have to suffice!

Click here for a link to the full article.

Acton Court- A Tudor Treasure with a hidden secret!

Natalie — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:53:57 +0000

In the summer of 1535 Queen Anne Boleyn accompanied her husband, King Henry VIII, on the royal Progress. One of their stops was Acton Court, the home of Nicholas Poyntz.

On discovering that his home was on King Henry’s summer Progress itinerary, Nicholas decided to build a new East Wing on the existing moated manor house that would take him 9 months to complete. The royal apartments were luxuriously and fashionably decorated demonstrating his loyalty and intent on impressing his Sovereigns regardless of personal cost.

His efforts and hard work paid off as he was allegedly knighted during Henry’s visit.

Acton court is a Tudor treasure not only because much of the remaining house is part of the lavish new wing built especially for Henry and Anne, but also because uncovered during conservation works hidden in the masonry, was Henry’s ‘ensuite’ or garderobe. I can’t help but giggle a little when I imagine the great and powerful Henry sitting on the toilet, a little silly of me I know.

Other recent excavations at Acton Court have also discovered fine Venetian glass and Spanish ceramics likely to be connected to the royal visit of 1535.

I’m a little sad that on my upcoming Tudor Pilgrimage around the UK (8 weeks to go but who’s counting…) I won’t get to see Acton Court as it’s closed to the public from the 23rd August until June 2010.

For those of you lucky enough to live near by, they are hosting a great event on the 8th August called ‘The Tudor Tailor‘.

More information on Acton Court can be found on their website:

http://www.actoncourt.com