On this day in history, 21st August 1535, King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn visited Nicholas Poyntz at his home, Acton Court, in South Gloucestershire.
This summer progress, as well as getting the royal couple out of smelly London with its risk of Plague, was a chance for the couple to promote the Reformation and visit the households of people seen as “pro-Reform”. It was a political and social progress, and far more than a chance for the couple to get away and have a break.
You can read more about Nicholas Poyntz, Acton Court and this royal progress in Nasim Tadghighi’s article “Acton Court, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn – The Royal Progress of 1535” which is based on a talk given by historian David Starkey.