Knights of the Blackdowns

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

Henry VII, Olde London Road

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

Henry VII, Olde London Road

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

Henry VII, Olde London Road

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

Henry VII, Olde London Road

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

It was a lonely stretch of road, then as now

Henry VII, Olde London Road

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

The next section of road on Henry’s journey has been criss-crossed by royalty over the centuries.

Henry VII, Olde London Road

The Capture of Catherine Gordon

Henry’s Progress, to Easthamstead

Henry’s Progress, to Basingstoke

Henry’s Progress, to Freefolk

Henry’s Progress, to Andover

Henry’s Progress, 1497, to Salisbury

Henry’s Progress, 1497, Blandford

Henry’s Progress, 1497, Dorchester

The King’s Bodyguard

Henry’s Progress, 1497, to Bridport