Sudeley Castle is partially open, if you’re looking for a splendid day out but want to see history in the open air, Sudeley Castle is a great option. You can see inside the palace as well but the outside space really lends itself to current climate and is a spectacular sight.
The ruins of the castle still stand after being left to decay during the Cromwellian civil war. Many magnificent gardens are planted around the estate. Each turn around a corner is like entering a Chelsea flower show garden. It’s beautiful.
The history highlight is St. Mary’s Church which holds the tomb of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife. Always known as the one that survived, she actually died in the exact same way as Henry’s third wife Jane Seymour, after complications in childbirth.
Catherine married Thomas Seymour in 1547, months after the death of the king. Seymour was gifted the property by his Nephew, King Edward VI.
Catherine moved to the castle for her confinement and possibly to put distance between the Princess Elizabeth and her husband. Elizabeth was sent to Hertfordshire while they to Gloucestershire. After a close relationship with Elizabeth, it’s sad that her step-daughter was not with her at the end.
You can see relics of Catherine Parr on display at Sudeley and some lace worked by Anne Boleyn. I wonder if Elizabeth sent this to her step-mother for the coming birth and to mend strained relations?
Sudeley is a great destination and offers some social distancing history.
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