The Knights Blog

Catherine of Aragon on the London Road

While investigating the medieval London Road, I “bumped into” Catherine of Aragon a few times, and almost by accident discovered her itinerary in 1501, from her landing at Plymouth’s Sutton Harbour on 2 October, to arriving at Kensington Palace on 9 November (the rest is history). That’s a slow old journey! Her convoy included scores […]

Henry VII, Olde London Road, People

The Capture of Catherine Gordon

When the army of Cornishmen crossed into Devon, their leader left behind his Scottish wife Catherine Gordon, Lady Huntley, or as he claimed the “Duchess of York”.

Catherine Gordon, Henry VII, Perkin Warbeck

Henry’s Progress, to Easthamstead

Henry’s destination at Easthampstead has to have been the Royal Hunting Lodge.

Henry VII, Olde London Road

Henry’s Progress, to Basingstoke

Basingstoke was a small market town in 1497, now buried somewhere underneath this lot.

Henry VII, Olde London Road

Henry’s Progress, to Freefolk

A very short hop this one, with a stop to see Henry’s old pal Sir Reginald Bray.

Henry VII, Olde London Road

Henry’s Progress, to Andover

The approximate route taken by Henry between Salisbury and Andover is traced over a montage of the maps by Christopher Saxton, dated 1576.

Henry VII, Olde London Road

Henry’s Progress, 1497, to Salisbury

Henry followed a long ride to Salisbury with a few days’ stay. The map above is dated 1576.

Henry VII, Olde London Road

Henry’s Progress, 1497, Blandford

Dorset, 1724

Henry passed through the birthplace of his counsellor John Morton and close to his mother Margaret Beaufort’s childhood home.

Henry VII, Olde London Road

Henry’s Progress, 1497, Dorchester

It was a lonely stretch of road, then as now

Henry VII, Olde London Road

The King’s Bodyguard

It seems highly likely that Henry was accompanied by a body of Yeomen of the Guard during his progress down to Exeter and home to London

Henry VII, Tudor Period