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King Henry VIII and Wiltshire

Wilton House, near Salisbury, has strong connections with Henry VIII as the original monastery at Wilton was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Henry VIII granted the estate including the remaining buildings to Sir William Herbert, who was married to Anne Parr - sister to Catherine Parr, Henry's sixth wife. Henry VIII gave Sir William Herbert the title of 1st Earl of Pembroke. The 1st Earl proceeded to commission the building of a mansion on the foundations of the old abbey which was to become Wilton House. The east front of the Wilton House still shows the Tudor fasade.

Wilton House recently marked the 500th anniversary to Henry VIII's ascension to the throne with an exhibition on tour from the British Library. The exhibition featured handwritten notes from Henry, books and manuscripts all giving an insight into the mind of the King. More details of this exhibition can be found on the following link: http://www.bl.uk/henry

Aside from Wilton House, other connections to Henry VIII can be found in Wiltshire:

Biddestone

Originally the site of two manors, two churches and two parishes, this area approximately 3 miles from Chippenham. One of the manors here was sold to Lord Hungerford who had his land confiscated and was executed by Henry VIII. http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community/getcom.php?id=19

Great Chalfield Manor and Lacock Abbey

Great Chalfield Manor, nr Melksham and Lacock Abbey, nr Chippenham are both locations for the film 'The Other Boleyn Girl'. Both are owned by the National Trust and are open to the public.

Lackham Estate

Henry VIII stayed at the Lackham Estate in 1535 whilst visiting his future queen, Jane Seymour who resided at Wolfhall (see more information below) near Great Bedwyn. The Lackham Country Park Museum (although closed throughout 2009 except for special event days) commemorates Henry VIII's visit with a costumed giant which was paraded through Lacock for the Millennium celebrations.

Longleat House

The builder of Longleat House, John Tynne worked as a clerk of the kitchens to Henry VIII. He was knighted by Henry VIII after he fought in the battle of Pinkie in 1547 against the Scots. The knot in the family coat of arms is a reminder of this battle.

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of the remaining original copies of the Magna Carta also in the Cathedral's library is a book bound for Henry VIII. According to the book 'The King's England Wiltshire' by Arthur Mee 'it was the king's own copy of that book against Luther for which the Pope gave him the title of Defender of the Faith which is still on our coins.'

Malmesbury Abbey

After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII Malmesbury Abbey was bought by William Stumpe who made it into a parish church.

Salisbury

According to Wiltshire Community History, Henry VIII visited Salisbury three times with his wife Katherine of Aragon and apparently stayed at Church House, Crane Street. For more details visit http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community/getfaq.php?id=312

Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre

This centre holds several documents relating to Henry's marriage to Jane Seymour including documents relating to Henry's transfer of settlements and manors to Jane.

Wolfhall

Wolfhall was the residence of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife. Jane and Henry married here on 30 May 1536. Little remains of this residence now. The following link tells of what could have been seen: http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community/getfaq.php?id=519

Extract of Ordinance Survey Map 157

The map above shows a route you can take through Wolfhall. For more detailed walks in this area please visit Ordance Survey.

Wootton Bassett

It is alleged that Henry VIII had a mistress who lived at Vastern Manor, Wootton Bassett. Incidentally the house and land belonged to Catherine Parr until her death.

Further information on places to visit with Henry VIII's connections with Wiltshire

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