ENGLAND TRIP: Day 6: Part 7: Thornbury Castle Arrival

Driving into Thornbury Castle

Our next stop was a Tudor-era castle turned elite castle hotel. Our travel agent, Anne Marie from "Across the Pond Vacations" (www.atpvacations.com) surprised us with this amazing place. We didn't know it had a Tudor family connection until we got there, and we found out a LOT more!  

Here's some background from the Thornbury Castle website: http://www.thornburycastle.co.uk/.

HERE'S  VIDEO OF THE OUTSIDE OF THE CASTLE:

History of Thornbury Castle

Another view of this stunning castle

Edward Stafford, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham received a royal license to build this ‘fortified manor’ or castle-palace in 1510. Work started the following year but stopped when the Duke was executed on the orders of his distant cousin Henry VIII for alleged treason in 1521. In 1535, King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, stayed here. Princess Mary, later Queen Mary I, also lived here for several years. Today, much still remains of the original 16th century building. Everywhere there is fascinating historical detail to enjoy – coats of arms, intricate oriel windows, arrow loops and ornate carved ceilings. Thornbury has also always had a vineyard within the castle walls and Thornbury Castle wine is still produced today.

close up of a double window

Where is it located? Thornbury Castle is north of the city of Bath and is located just inland from the Bristol Channel (southeastern side of England). 

NEXT: A TOUR OF THE "RUINS" OF THE CASTLE