Hmmm, I've been to Hatfield House (more to do with the Cecils, but the Tudor great hall still stands, and was part of the palace Elizabeth would have known). I do love Penshurst Place in Kent. A connection to Henry and Anne because, according to some sources, Henry would stay here and visit Anne in nearby Hever. Whatever you choose, have a great time. Let me know how it all goes. Cheers and happy early birthday!

Boleynfan said:

I believe I am going to Penshurst when I visit England (next week). Has anyone heard of Ingtham Mote?

Ightham Mote is a nice place to visit, just outside Sevenoaks, Kent (about 6 miles). While you are in the area why not visit Knole, the great mansion of the Sackvilles, which is at Sevenoaks, so just down the road, you'll love it. I presume you will take in Hever when you visit Penshurst Place (you must !) as this is only about 5 miles from Penshurst (both just outside of Tonbridge, Kent).

Have a great time and enjoy your stay here.

P.S. In my old guide book, from my first visit, the adult admission to Ightham Mote was 2 shillings and 6 pence (half a crown) or in today's money 12 and a half pence ! I think it may cost you a little more now. Enjoy.

BoleynBlue said:

I went to Leeds Castle yesterday, and had a fantastic time.

 

I didn't realise there was such a strong link with the Culpepers, not Thomas Culpeper though, these ones were a lot later.

 

I also got to see the Missal box which is said to have once belonged to Anne Boleyn.

Leeds is a great place. I thought is had a romantic quality to it, but somewhat understated compared to other Tudor castles.

Did you get to see the black swans? They are majestic birds, but their red eyes are frightening.

Glad to hear you had a great time!

BoleynBlue, Thomas Culpeper was the first of the Culpeper owners of Leeds Castle, but as you say not THE Thomas Culpeper, as this was in 1632, he passed it to his son, Sir Cheney, almost at once and it later came into the hands of another Thomas Culpeper (didn't their parents have any imagination?). He was appointed Governor of Virginia where the Culpeper family had been granted 5 million acres of land due to their loyalty to Charles 1st, this area of land now comprises most of Greater Washington and formed valuable links with America which continued (and were indeed enhanced) by the next owners, the Fairfax family.

There is a walled garden on the estate named The Culpeper Garden to reflect their involvement with the castle.

DOB, as well as the black swans contained in The Duckery, did you notice the Canada geese? A little taste of home !

BoleynBlue, Catherine did indeed marry the 5th Lord Fairfax in 1689 and his name was ……….Thomas – what is it with this name?

On the death of Lady Culpeper in 1709, the castle became the property of the Fairfax family, although they had held the property since 1689. I have a very good guide book from Leeds Castle from about 30 years ago with all of this (and much more) information inside, I can only think therefore that my older book is possibly better than the current one ! (an old one, but a good one !)

Glad to hear you had a good time – don't those peac*cks make a noise, although they are wonderful to look at.

Cheers.

Neil Kemp said:

BoleynBlue, Thomas Culpeper was the first of the Culpeper owners of Leeds Castle, but as you say not THE Thomas Culpeper, as this was in 1632, he passed it to his son, Sir Cheney, almost at once and it later came into the hands of another Thomas Culpeper (didn't their parents have any imagination?). He was appointed Governor of Virginia where the Culpeper family had been granted 5 million acres of land due to their loyalty to Charles 1st, this area of land now comprises most of Greater Washington and formed valuable links with America which continued (and were indeed enhanced) by the next owners, the Fairfax family.

There is a walled garden on the estate named The Culpeper Garden to reflect their involvement with the castle.

DOB, as well as the black swans contained in The Duckery, did you notice the Canada geese? A little taste of home !

Neil,

I did notice the Canada Geese! I've seen them in other places.. Hyde Park, perhaps? I cannot remember!