Live Like Henry VIII
I saw this article in the March edition of the Stamford and Rutland Edition of the Active magazine which I though would nice to share:
There are lots of places around and near Rutland where you can experience the life and pastimes of the Tudors
See how the Tudors lived
The remarkable Burghley House was the Tudor mansion built by Queen Elizabeth’s Lord High Treasurer. The daughter of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, Elizabeth eventually ascended to the throne in 1558, with the building of Burghley having started in 1555 and taking a further 32 years to complete. The Old Kitchen remains just as it would have in the Tudor times, as do the Roman stairs, while the rest of the house is a trip through the greatest period of expansion in English history, with an astonishing quantity of fine arts and treasures, lavish state rooms, and stunning architecture. www.burghley.co.uk
Jousting at Rockingham Castle
The Knights of Nottingham & the Oxford Household make a thrilling return to Rockingham Castle in June this year. With baronial banners streaming, the glint of the sun on the steel bladed swords and axes, the armoured knights will fight it out on horseback and on foot, while out in the arena there will be displays by armour clad warriors of sword and pike drill, skills-at-arms and combat prior to the jousting taking the field. A fire eating display, jester in the grounds and story telling for children and adults are all set to entertain you. www.rockinghamcastle.com
Hunting at Belvoir Castle
The sporty Henry VIII loved hunting with hounds, although it’s believed that when he injured his leg badly when he fell off his horse hunting one day, it was the start of the spiral that led to his more famous portly shape. Belvoir Castle overlooks the famous grass and hedges in Leicestershire, the home of English Foxhunting, and can organise experienced horses to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. Despite the Hunting Act the Belvoir Hunt continues to thrive, enjoying tremendous support at every level. On hunting days the hounds follow the trails or the hunt conducts those forms of hunting that are exempt under the Act. www.belviorcastle.com
Falconry at Stapleford
Falconry is probably the oldest, and most aristocratic field sport in the world. With the Stapleford School of Falconry you can experience the thrill of handling these majestic birds of prey under the expert guidance of Stapleford’s head falconer, Peter Sibson, who owned his first kestrel when he was just six years old. Since then his life has revolved around the ancient hunting bond between man and bird of prey. www.staplefordpark.com
Visit the Home of Henry’s Seventh Wife
A book published by historian David Baldwin suggests that Katherine Willoughby, one time owner of Grimsthorpe Castle near Bourne, could have been a contender for the title of the seventh wife of Henry VIII (and Queen of England). After his third wife died, it seems that he considered marrying Katherine, who was a close confidant of Lord Burghley, but it seems she could be a little too ‘rude and fiesty” which may have been the reason Henry opted for Anne of Cleves instead. www.grimsthorpe.co.uk
The article was taken from the March 2015 edition of the Stamford and Rutland’s Active magazine. For more information about the magazine, including viewing the magazine online please visit their website www.theactivemag.com
If you are interesting in discovering the history of Rutland and Leicestershire and are looking for accommodation, then why not consider a stay at Puddle Cottage? The 4 star self catering cottage is located in the charming village of Edith Weston just a short walk to the South shore of Rutland Water and is also within 8 miles of the market towns of Oakham, Stamford and Uppingham. The cottage can comfortable sleep 2 people in 1 bedroom (which can be presented as either a super king sized bed or two full size single beds) and includes facilities such as dishwasher, tumble dryer and a flat screen TV and free WIFI for our guests. Well behaved dogs are also very welcome. For more details please visit our website www.puddle-cottage.co.uk or call Anna on 07734175291. We would be delighted to welcome you to the area.