Wolf Hall in the City
It's back!!
THURSDAY 26th March, 1115 for 1130 departure
Start location Blackfriars Tube station; ends Tower Hill tube
If you've got the Wolf Hall bug or are simply fascinated by the Tudor era, join me on this walk around some of the City of London locations linked with the "King's Great Matter" - Henry VIII's long-running battle to divorce his wife Katherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. It is surely the most momentous menage-a-trois in UK history, leading to the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the historic schism with Rome, and the Reformation - which laid the foundations of the modern UK state.
Surviving remains of Tudor London are few and far between but there are still some atmospheric locations that offer glimpses of the era, and help to tell the story of the drama-filled years that started with the divorce proceedings in 1529 and ended 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 takes at least two hours. But it is largely on the flat and 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.