Sudeley Castle and Gardens

Sudeley Castle and Gardens

Sudeley Castle, near Winchcombe Gloucestershire, boasts royal connections spanning a thousand years. It was one of King Henry VIII’s Royal residences and in 1535 the King and Queen Anne Boleyn visited the castle. They were lodged in the Castle along with their immediate servants while other members of their entourage stayed at nearby Winchcombe Abbey.

Anne Boleyn saw the visit as an opportunity to investigate the relic of Holy blood at nearby Hailes Abbey. It was alleged that in 1270 the Abbey had been presented with the blood of Christ and from then had become one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the country. But on further investigation it was discovered that the blood was in fact duck blood. Anne Boleyn informed King Henry of this discovery and he immediately ordered that the false relic be removed.

Following King Henry VIII’s death, his son, King Edward VI, granted Sudeley to his uncle, Thomas Seymour. Thomas then married Katherine Parr (Henry VIII’s 6th wife and widow) and moved into Sudeley Castle accompanied by their ward, Lady Jane Grey.

On the 30th August 1548, 36 year old Katherine Parr gave birth to a daughter, Mary, but died seven days later. She is buried in the chapel of St. Mary at Sudeley.

Chapel of St. Mary Sudeley

Thomas Seymour’s life at Sudeley was also short lived as on the 20th March 1549 he was executed for Treason and other crimes against the King and Crown.

William Parr then owned the castle briefly, the late Katherine’s brother, only to be stripped of his title and property after being involved in the failed attempt to make Lady Jane Grey Queen of England.

In 1554, Queen Mary gave Sudeley to Sir John Brydges, the Lieutenant of the Tower who attended Lady Jane Grey’s execution, and it remained in his family for the next 100 years.

Elizabeth I also visited Sudeley on several occasions and attended a magnificent three-day feast in 1592 to mark the anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

For opening times and visitor information visit Sudeley Castle’s Website.

Sources: Sudeley Castle Official Website