Honeymoon In Henry VIII's Bedchamber
09/19/2007 03:09 p.m.
Although the marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn was not exactly the most successful in history, this should not dissuade you from considering Henry's own Thornbury Castle as the location for your honeymoon. Your travel agent can show you many magnificent aspects of this imposing castle near the port city of Bristol, England, and how it can be the location for a superlative and memorable honeymoon.
The newly married couple can engage in The Castle Experience where they will be staying in the Duke's Bedchamber where Henry and his queen slept. This expansive octagonal bedchamber is located in the tower of the south wing and is reached by the original circular stone staircase where you can follow in the very footsteps of the great King and Queen.
The Duke's Bedchamber is remarkably atmospheric, and has been maintained almost exactly the way it was when Henry and Anne sleopt there. The bed is a spectacular, hand carved coronet style with a massive inlaid headboard that stretches all the way up to the awe inspiring finely detailed wooden "bed ceiling". Should the new couple's attention be taken away from the bed, they will discover meticuloulsly masoned stone walls, opulent tapestries, ornate carved ceilings and views to historic parkland and the River Severn beyond, while they cuddle in front of the roaring fire.
The Royal Gala Dinner (or Remove, as it was called in Henry's day) will see the new couple seated on thrones on their own table in the Gallery, surrounded by chalices of tumbling fruit, quaffing wine from period goblets, and choosing from the scroll menu of authentic dishes from the Tudor period and recipes from Hampton Court during Henry’s reign.
The typical menu is an absolutely spectacular traditional Tudor feast and features Potage of Mutton and Whole Herbs; Prince's sallad (the correct "olde worlde" spelling) with almonds, figs, capers, currants, spinach, lettuce and pickled cucumber; Poached Salmon in Lovage; Sergeant of the King’s Side of Fat Deer; and Thornbury Castle Date and Walnut Pudding.
To walk off this meal fit for a King and Queen, you can go for a romantic evening stroll in the the oldest Tudor gardens in England: the Privy Garden and Goodly Garden. Your travel agent can show you many aspects of the extravagant opulence you will experience in a honeymoon at Thornbury Castle.
It is written that the love of Henry for Anne knew no bounds. His passion for Anne can be attested to in the love letters he wrote when she was away from court. Very few documents in Henry's own hand survive, however, seventeen passionate love letters to Anne are preserved in the Vatican Library. Henry was said to be forlorn when he had to have Anne executed. That may or may not be the case, but it is certain that a honeymoon booked by your travel agent in the grand bedroom of this notorious historic couple is going to evoke memories for a lifetime.
