Wolf Hall in the City
FRIDAY 27 June, 1115 for 1130 departure
Start location TBF but will be near a central City tube!
If you've got the Wolf Hall bug or are simply fascinated by the Tudor era, join me on this walk around some City of London locations associated with the "King's Great Matter". Henry VIII's long-running battle to divorce his wife Katherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn is surely the most momentous menage a trois in UK history, leading to the schism with Rome and the English Reformation which laid the foundations of the modern UK state.
There are barely any surviving remains of Tudor London but there are still locations that offer an atmospheric glimpse of the era, where we will hear the story of the drama-filled years that start with the divorce proceedings in 1529 and end with Anne Boleyn's beheading in 1533.
We will visit:
- The site of the Blackfriars Monastery whose great hall hosted the dramatic divorce hearing which saw Katherine of Aragon confront her husband Henry (who lost the argument...)
- St Paul's Cross where the 'holy nun of Kent' Elizabeth Barton had to perform public penance for her prophesy that Henry would burn in hell if he married Boleyn
- the awe-inspiring St Bartholomew's the Great built in 1123 - London's oldest parish church and once the heart of a huge monastic community dissolved by Henry
- Austin Friars - atmospheric site of Cromwell's palace and now home to the historic Drapers Hall
- Tower Hill. Where we will hear the final chapter of the King's Great Matter: the execution of Cromwell and Anne Boleyn - the first Queen to be publicly executed
Please note: This walk covers a greater distance than usual at 2.5 miles, and around two hours, although largely on the flat. We will have a loo break!
If you wish to come for a PUB LUNCH after the walk (cost not included) you must check the box on booking below to avoid disappointment.
Final details follow by email two days before each walk.
Walks run in all weathers barring hurricanes...so please dress appropriately...
Any queries please email me
Image credits: Anne Boleyn/Hever Rose portrait/public domain; Katherine of Aragon: Michael Sittow/Wikimedia Commons.