The Tudors At Cowdray

Behind the Scenes

Last week I was asked to help Cowdray Heritage with a marketing shoot for their site. It was the perfect opportunity to showcase my new Tudor kit so how could I resist.

Cowdray ruins was once a stately home. Crenellated and loopholed it was an icon of wealth and visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I during the Tudor period. Much of the inside is from the Tudor era, however over the centuries changes were made by those living there. New floors added, decor changed, walls removed until in 1793 when, during another round of refurbishments, tragedy struck and a fire destroyed much of the house leaving only the tower, holding the kitchen as the only remaining intact element of the ruins.

The site is facing the challenge of a small amount of sporadic, falling masonry meaning that it is not safe for visitors to walk within the ruins. You can still visit though and take in the grandeur of this historic site and the grounds around it have plenty of space for adventures, with a little cafe onsite for refreshments. A summer of outdoor events is also planned allowing you to safely enjoy the site and learn more about the Tudors and other residents at Cowdray.

Talking through the layers of kit that I’m wearing.

The morning I spent at the ruins started with a chat about the site from a very knowledgeable member of the Cowdray ruins team and we then entered the remaining tower to visit at the Tudor kitchen where I told a tale for the younger visitors. Up the winding stairs there is an art room which holds several paintings of the infamous Henry VIII and his long or in some cases rather short, suffering six wives.

The art room and to the right of the picture is Henry’ VIII’s one surviving wife, Catherine Parr.

Wool on the hottest day with linen underneath isn’t actually as hot as you might think. Not to get too personal, the linen wicks away the moisture and the wool has an amazing ability to keep you either warm or cool. The hat and coif on the other hand, did nothing to cool me down and I’m not sure, had the Tudor’s been faced with a 30C day, that they would have persisted with the hat in the name of dignity and convention. The main thing I noticed was the weight of the garments. I wasn’t wearing my gown on this occasion (a type of over coat) but I anticipate this kit is going to be a heavy one in the winter, although extremely cosy.

Telling a Tale In The Kitchen

Some great shots were taken and you can find some of them on the website already, advertising the events that are on this summer at Cowdray Ruins. Take a look as there is open air theatre, murder mysteries and history talks for all the family. I can also recommend the milkshakes and iced lattes available in the cafe. Much needed after a couple of hours in Tudor togs.

I hope to be back at Cowdray later in the year and to stay updated on where I am next you can take a look at my events page.

Thanks to Cowdray marketing team for the photos and for Cowdray Heritage for hosting a fun and informative day. The wonderful Janet at Time Tailor made this Tudor kit.