The Story of Henry VIII vs Edward Stafford at Thornbury Castle
Each property on Celtic Castles has its own history – from the interesting to the intriguing to the utterly outrageous – but many of them also have a distinct link to one or more notable figures in history. Whether the home of a Medieval monarch, a retreat for a famous actor or a battlement scene of a legendary warrior, if our castle walls could talk they certainly would…
Thornbury Castle has had a busy old past and once belonged to William the Conqueror after he claimed the original manor house in 1066. However, one of its most fascinating stories occurred later on and links to King Henry VIII.
Guests travel from all over the world to experience Thornbury’s exceptional hospitality, glorious architecture and peaceful countryside setting in Gloucestershire on the edge of The Cotswolds. But how did it come to be..?
Who owned Thornbury Castle?
Thornbury Castle was built by Edward Stafford, the then Duke of Buckingham. He was the second wealthiest man in the country who wanted a home to rival that of the richest - a certain King Henry VIII. In 1510, he was granted permission to transform his former manor house into the magnificent fortified country home that still stands today. The castle was symbolic of Stafford’s personality: battle-ready Medieval ruggedness in harmony with the most palatial Tudor fineries of the day.
Summoned to London
Edward, however, was never able to fully revel in the fruits of Thornbury’s ten-year-long construction; in its exquisite oriel windows, its stunning red brick chimneys and beautiful gardens. As the final elements were being put in place, in 1521, the Duke was summoned to London to stand trial.
As a descendant of King Edward III, Edward was perceived as a threat to the Tudor dynasty, after making several provocative actions and statements against the crown. As a result, King Henry VIII acted in the way he is perhaps best remembered: Stafford was beheaded on Tower Hill after being found guilty of treason.
Bequeathed to the king
From that moment on, Stafford’s impressive portfolio of properties was Henry’s, and though he would sell most of it, he retained one particular property that he recognised as truly fit for a king – Thornbury Castle. In 1535, he stayed there with his second queen, Anne Boleyn, establishing the castle as a luxurious retreat from the toils of the outside world.
What does Thornbury Castle offer today?
Although its inhabitants have changed somewhat, the nature it was originally built for remains. Thornbury Castle is an exquisitely presented, luxurious haven where guests can escape their everyday life and indulge in a true castle experience, enjoying exceptional cuisine and accommodation.
Situated on a peaceful estate complete with beautiful formal gardens enclosed by ancient castle walls, its 16th-century façade overlooks lush Cotswolds countryside, yet is only twelve miles from historic Bristol’s tourist attractions and less than two hours from London.
An archetypal English castle
The magnificent four-star hotel (also available for exclusive use), decorated in lavish splendour hinting at its regal past, cocoons guests in a bygone era. Each opulent space, from the public rooms to the bedrooms, is styled with attention to detail from coordinating colours to tactile fabrics. And each charming period feature from elaborate plasterwork to exposed stonework to wood panelled walls, has been beautifully maintained in respect of its Tudor heritage.
Made for royalty
Could we entice you to book a stay at Thornbury Castle? Perhaps after reading this story you will opt for the aptly named room where the famous Tudor king and his then wife, Anne Boleyn, stayed when visiting the castle during their royal tour of 1535, the Henry VIII Suite, which offers contemporary comfort and a level of luxury truly fit for a king and queen.