Channel 5 - Walking Tudor England (2021) Part 5 The Weald

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb wends her way around the country on the trail of history's most fascinating dynasty. Journeying around England on the trail of the Tudor dynasty, historian Suzannah Lipscomb explores some of the most significant sites of that fascinating time. England underwent huge changes during the reigns of three generations of Tudor monarchs. The Tudor period lasted from 1485 to 1603, it was a time of great upheaval and change, as Henry VII and his successors sought to reshape English society. But despite all the drama and intrigue, the Tudors also left behind some amazing historical landmarks. In the 16th century, the great country house came into its own, when some of the most famous and impressive mansions in England – including Longleat and Burghley House – were built. In this six-part series written and presented by Suzannah for Channel 5, she walks the South Coast, through Yorkshire, the Weald, East Anglia, London and the Midlands to explore Tudor stories and places.

Part 5 The Weald
As Suzannah visits The Weald, a quiet corner of Kent and East Sussex, she discovers details about Henry VIII's life and visits Hever Castle. Walk is starting with the Stafford residence of Penshurst Place, where the third Duke Edward Seymour's banquets reminded Henry VIII of his own family's weak claim and led to the 'Good Duke of Somerset's beheading at Tower Hill. Hever Castle, childhood home of the Boleyns is just a short walk away and there are many portraits of both families, including Arthur Tudor. Ashdown Forest, where Henry hunted deer and boar is close to hand, as is Michelham Priory where Henry VIII's fourth and fifth marriages took place and which was given to Anne of Cleves. In episode 5, Suzannah goes to The Weald in Kent and East Sussex, from Henry VIII's hunting lodge at Penshurst Place, to Hever Castle, a 14th-century coaching inn, Ashdown Forest and through to Mitchelham Priory, once owned by Anne of Cleves..

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