Help finding a castle in the UK.

[wimmie]

My oh so respected shaving friends in the UK.

Which of you can help me find the castle in the UK where Catharina van Aragon (queen of Engeland from 1509 to 1534) was exiled to by hendrik VIII?

As a nine year old, now 40 years ago, I visit that castle with my parents. A uncle and aunt lived there an what I remember is that it was near Birmingham. Also the name ‘Woodwich’ or ‘Woolich’ I have always associated with the memory.

The big castle, the driveway up to it, next to it ‘the garden of memory’ where all the horses were buried, the wooden (war)- field bed of Napoleon we slept in, .

All that history and stories.make a big impresssion on a child.

My aunt and uncle have unfortunately, past away may years ago and because we are planning a trip to England I would like to go to the castle with my family to see if or what left of it and if my memories are still correct.

So who o who can help ?????

Thanks,

Wim

 

[Burgundy]

The More, Ampthill, Buckden Palace and Kimbolton Castle are all places I've read her being connected to during and after the annulment (having taught a relevant A Level course). I suppose the latter three aren't a million miles awesome from Birmingham but I'm not convinced these are where you mean...

 

[wimmie]

The More, Ampthill, Buckden Palace and Kimbolton Castle are all places I've read her being connected to during and after the annulment (having taught a relevant A Level course). I suppose the latter three aren't a million miles awesome from Birmingham but I'm not convinced these are where you mean...

Hi Burgundy,

Thanks, just looked them up but the one I'm looking for is unfortunatly not among them!

never thought finding the castle would be so difficult!

 

[Nick_S]

She was also quite associated with Ludlow Castle, in Shropshire. Close (ish) to Birmingham, but not out of the realms of possibility.

 

[chrisbd]

Wim,
As you've probably found, information on Catherine of Aragon's years after the divorce from Henry VIII isn't well documented. However, immediately after the divorce her entire household was apparently removed to Castle Lodge at Ludlow, not far from Ludlow Castle, just West of Birmingham, which I think is possibly the place you're referring to.

She was relocated several times (details are very sketchy) and eventually died at Kimbolton Castle, in Cambridgeshire.

I wish you luck, hope this helps.

Regards,
Chris

 

[wimmie]

Thanks Burgundi, Nick and Chris.

I compared your suggestions with the photos that I have and unfortunately the one I'm looking for is not among them.

I have scand the photo's we have perhaps someone will recognise something???


http://i.imgur.com/IBK1UuL.png[/img]']

 

[UKRob]

I was going to suggest Warwick castle as the one you may have visited. However, if it's the one in the photograph I can't help but it doesn't look like a castle to me - more a Manor House.

 

[JamieM]

That's a stately home and definitely not a castle.

 

[Sid James]

Westwood House, Worcestershire?

 

[wimmie]

Sid James, wonderful! Thanks mate.

That's it, any idea how long I 'f been searching.

How did you find it so fast did you recognice it?

 

[halvor]

Boy, was I disappointed. I thought this was a housing wanted ad, Wim "Help with finding a castle". That would be something. "Ey, chaps, I need another castle. Anyone?"

No, seriously, glad Sid was able to help you.

 

[chrisbd]

Boy, was I disappointed. I thought this was a housing wanted ad, Wim "Help with finding a castle". That would be something. "Ey, chaps, I need another castle. Anyone?"

Halvor,
Given the condition of British stately homes and castles the ad would be titled "Help funding a castle".

Well spotted Sid.

 

[Nick_S]

Sid James, wonderful! Thanks mate.

That's it, any idea how long I 'f been searching.

How did you find it so fast did you recognice it?

Google Image Search is a great thing You can upload any image and it will try and find anything similar, usually coming up with some good results.

 

[wimmie]

Thanks to Sid James, We finaly found the castle we where looking for. Turns out to be a stately home Westwood House, in Worcestershire


The property is now divided into apartments and the lower apartment is for sale. Therefore we could see the inside on the pictures shown on the site of the broker.

So happy we are to have finaly found it, so disappointed are we to see it’s converted into a modern home and there is noting left of the history what made the castle so unique.

Al the wooden lambrasering, the big round golden scale with the face print of Catharina van Aragon on the wall, the cemetery where all the horses were buried ‘The garden of Memory’, the rosegarden, the many suits of armour, swords, golden and silver drinking cups, the many paintings, the big Knight table with massive chairs etc, etc.

forty years is a long time and a lot happens but somehow we always thought / hoped this would stay as it was…
Fortunately we have the many photos and the memories!

Is there a reason to go there, not especially, however the next time we are in Birmingham I’ll go over to show our son.

Sid James, thanks again, very appreciated.