25 July 2001
Historically, Sudeley’s main claim to fame is
as the residence of Henry the Eighth’s widow, Katherine Seymour, nee Parr, who
rests here, and for visits from several Tudor monarchs, including Henry
himself, Elizabeth, and Anne Boleyn. But
it later paid for being a Royalist enclave during the Civil War and was
restored in the 19th Century.
Although not used by us on this occasion, an interesting adventure
playground and rambling area has been established (which can be visited
separately, if preferred, at lower cost), providing something of interest for
younger children.
We were struck by this bench cut
from an enormous tree trunk on the way in.
We found the ruined sections outside particularly photogenic.
The ornamental lake beside the
ruined tithe barn is populated by giant carp.
Photography in the house itself was
not permitted, but we captured the tomb of Katherine Parr in the Chapel – which
is in fact a parish church, not a private chapel.
We enjoyed a refreshing drink on the
terrace before we left.