Page 32 - link magazine

Wolf Hall: the Swindon connection with Tudor times tourism

Are you gripped by Wolf Hall, the waiting, several of whom were her
latest historical drama currently St John cousins, worshipped at St
airing on BBC2 on Wednesday Mary’s during a visit to Lydiard
evenings? asks historian Frances House on her royal progress in
Bevan. 1592, when she knighted her
Swindon has a connection with kinsman John St John.
the momentous events portrayed in Remodelled in the 18th Century,
the adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s the foundations of Lydiard House
Man Booker Prize winning novels are that of an early Tudor mansion.
Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. Behind the decorative plaster
The story plots the career of lowly work are medieval walls and the
born Thomas Cromwell who rises to magnificent Palladian entrance
become Henry VIII’s right hand man hall was once a Tudor hall and
and between them make a profound courtyard with a solar (private
The 400 year old St John polptych at St Mary’s Church, Lydiard Park impact on Britain’s history. family rooms) above one wing and
Filming for the series took place services on the other side.
at six National Trust properties, This summer marks the 400th
Local & Organic Veg Boxes including Montacute House in anniversary of the St John
Somerset and Lacock Abbey in polyptych, the all-in-one portrait
Seasonal farm produce Wiltshire. The original Wolf Hall and family tree in St Mary’s.
Commissioned in 1615 by the first
in Burbage, Wiltshire, home to the
Free local delivery Seymour family, stood derelict and baronet Sir John St John, the multi
Veg, fruit, meat, abandoned by the end of the 16th panel memorial is a tribute to his
eggs & more Century before being Voting closes parents and his illustrious
reduced in size and
ancestors.
Bespoke orders used as servant on 28 February for Volunteers from St
accommodation Swindon’s Kevin Shurmer of Mary’s Church will be
Purton House Organics and eventually Steam Musuem to become shouting out about
demolished in
the Tudor associations
the Visit England tourism
with a host of open
Church End, Purton, Swindon 1723. superstar 2015. Cast yours days and talks. The
Following the
Tel: 01793 772287 2013 BBC production at mirr.im/1wLW96u famous Red Queen
www.purtonhouseorganics.co.uk of the White Queen, panel showing the St John
which is set during the War family’s Tudor connections will
of the Roses period, a whole new be on display on Sundays 22 March,
history loving audience hit the 26 April and 24 May when Paul
Roves Farm tourist trail, a trend which will Gardner and other members of the
congregation will tell the story of
increase with the success of Wolf
A great family day out, come rain or shine Hall. Lydiard Park’s famous family.
You don’t have to leave Swindon
Further events are planned as the
for a taste of the Tudors. St Mary’s anniversary approaches on 25 and
Church in Lydiard Park is packed to 26 July.
its barrel vaulted roof rafters with Let’s not keep the Swindon twist
Tudor emblems. Look up above the of the Tudor tourist trail secret. Tell
nave where you will see a wooden everybody what we can offer.
carving of Margaret Beaufort, n Follow Frances Bevan’s
Countess of Richmond and Derby, Swindon in Past Lane blog at:
mother of King Henry VII, looking swindonhistory.blogspot.com and
OPEN DAILY down on the congregation. www.goodgentlewoman.wordpress.
Elizabeth I and her ladies in
com
until 23rd December, 10am- 5pm Swindon Works through time
Animals, Activities & Play HISTORIANS Andy Binks and Peter well known for his knowledge of
for the whole day! Timms have published a new book Swindon Works and has written
which tells the story
several books about
of the town’s railway it.
School works, from its start They will be launch-
Holiday in the 1830s right up ing the book, which
Themes & to its closure in the will be available at
Events 1980s. a discounted price,
Termtime Many of the at Swindon Central
Toddler images featured Library on Saturday 28
Activities have not been seen February, 11.30am.
before. If you are unable
Andy worked to attend and want a
copy at a special price
Sevenhampton, Nr. Swindon 01793 763939 ‘inside’ and is now call Andy on 01793
chairman of the
www.rovesfarm.co.uk Swindon Society which preserves 487922 or 07968 246792 or email:
the history of the town. Peter is [email protected]
32 swindonlink.com n March 2015

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