Sudeley, near Winchcombe

Set in the heart of the Costwolds, Sudeley's ruins blend beautifully into the gorgeous countryside. Little remains of the fortified manor house built in the mid-14th century that later became the home (and burial place) of Kartherine Parr, one of Henry VIII's six wives. Many of the buildings were restored in Victorian times, and Sudeley now houses a fine art collection.

Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. It has royal connections spanning a thousand years and has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past. Today it is the home of the Dent Brocklehurst family.

It was once the magnificent palace of Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife. Charles I's nephew, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, established the Castle as his garrison headquarters during the English Civil War.

After its desecration by Cromwell's troops, John and Wiliam Dent acquired Sudeley and embarked upon an ambitious programme of restoration. On their death, this task was taken up by their nephew John Coucher Dent and his wife Emma Brocklehurst.

Following Henry VIII's death in 1547, Sir Thomas Seymour renewed his pursuit of Katherine Parr which he had begun before her marriage to Henry. Barely six weeks after the King's demise they married and he brought her to Sudeley with a large household of over 200 people, including the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey.

Katherine's enjoyable time at Sudeley was to be short-lived. After giving birth to her only daughter Mary in 1548, she contracted puerperal fever and died. She desired to be buried in the Castle Chapel, thus denying Henry his dying wish that she be buried beside him in the Royal Vault at Windsor.

She kept up her lively diaries recording both her travels and life at Sudeley in great detail. These are on display in the Castle's exhibition area.

During the year many special events are held, both of general and special appeal. From classical or jazz concerts to open air theatre, from popular falconry displays to plant fairs, aiming to appeal to a choice of interests.