Thornbury

South Gloucestershire

England

Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham (1478-1521) began construction of Thornbury Castle in 1511. Being more of a glorified country residence than a traditional defensive castle it still has an undenighably intimidating and impressive Tudor fascade.

Stafford was a courtier of Henry VIII and a notorious poor gambler, likely tolerated only because he jousted and made good sport. Stafford lost his head to the axe in 1521 after falling out of favor with Henry and was found guilty of treason. Swiftly taking possession of Thornbury after the duke's death, Henry stayed for ten days his new wife, Anne Boleyn in August 1535 on their South-West Summer progress.

Henry's daughter Mary spent time at the castle when a princess and there are ghostly tales of a lady in period dress who still frequents the rose garden. Might it have been the young royal that Rachel saw on our visit?

EVP Transcriptions

EVP 1: Harry came once, he's still here.

EVP 2: Heney, was that Tudor?

EVP 3: She wanted you, an old scrubber. I'm really sick of her.

EVP 4: Mary, wave to Mary!

EVP 5: Who said that?

EVP 6: Let's call the dead.

EVP 7: You're safe, I'll protect you.

EVP 8: He needs to get out of here. Let us delay.

EVP 9: No you can.

EVP 10: Whistle.

EVP 11: We'll hold you tonight, we love you.