Thornbury Castle

Thornbury Castle

Thornbury Castle was built by a man called Edward Stafford the Duke of

Buckingham and wasn't finished because he was be-headed in 1512 by

Henry VIII. It has different features that could show that it was

meant for defensive purposes or that it was built as a luxurious

palace. The castle has a few arrow slits in the walls and grooves in

the gateway, which show that there was intention for a portcullis's.

There are also remains of soldiers barracks, which was slightly

unusual, as Henry VII had made it illegal to have private armies.

There is evidence that Buckingham intended to re-route a nearby stream

to make a moat around the gateway to the park. This evidence is

supported by John Leland's chronicle called 'Thornbury in the reign of

the Tudors' where it says 'There cumithe an Armlet of severne ebbynge

and flowing into this parke. Duke Edward had thought to have trenchyd

there, and to have brought it up to the castle'. These features show

that there may have been an intention for defence and the soldiers

barracks show that he wanted an army because his tenants in Wales

didn't often pay their rent so he wanted an army to make sure he got

his money. There is evidence of gun ports around the outer walls,

which is atypical of a Tudor Palace.

Many things about the castle/palace show that it was built with the

purpose of a luxury palace, which showed off his wealth. It had a

glorious Tudor chimney and above the gateway leading to the inner

court there were all of Buckingham's titles on plaques. There was one

plaque, which said 'Doresenevant' which means 'Hence Forward', and

then next to it there was the remains of a plaque which had been

removed and may of read 'King of England.' Buckingham built an

elaborate Tudor chimney which was really impressive and showed off his

wealth. He also copied his style of windows from Henry VIII's castle

at Windsor which also proves he was a show off.