Manor That's Back to Front - Chenies Manor House, Buckinghamshire | S12E01 | Time Team

Time Team Classics・2 minutes read

Henry VIII visited a manor house in Buckinghamshire in 1534, later transformed into a palace to meet royal expectations. Archaeological investigations have uncovered parts of the Tudor complex, challenging past interpretations and revealing new insights into its layout.

Insights

  • The Tudor palace in Buckinghamshire, visited by Henry VIII, underwent significant transformations to meet royal expectations, but challenges remain in reconstructing its exact layout due to conflicting evidence from archaeological findings and historical records.
  • The discovery of Tudor walls, a finely engineered drainage system, and a corridor connecting key buildings has transformed the understanding of the site, suggesting a more complex and impressive design than previously thought, despite the palace's decline into decay and eventual conversion into a manor house.

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Recent questions

  • What historical significance does the Tudor palace hold?

    The Tudor palace in Buckinghamshire, visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, underwent transformations to meet royal expectations.

  • How did the first Earl of Bedford impact the Tudor palace's history?

    The first Earl of Bedford, John Russell, acquired the palace through marriage and royal favor, playing a significant role in its history.

  • What challenges arise in reconstructing the layout of the Tudor house?

    Conflicting evidence from archaeological investigations and historical documents present challenges in confirming the exact layout and structures of the Tudor palace.

  • What architectural features were discovered within the Tudor palace?

    Discoveries within the Tudor palace include a bay window, a finely engineered drainage system, and a corridor connecting the chapel to the hall.

  • How did the Tudor palace transition from grandeur to decay?

    Financial difficulties led the family to move to Woburn in 1627, leaving the palace to decay and be used for storage, eventually transforming into a manor house.

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Summary

00:00

"Unraveling the Mystery of Tudor Palace"

  • In 1534, Henry VIII visited a manor house in Buckinghamshire, the first of many visits by the king and his daughter Elizabeth.
  • The owner transformed the house into a palace to meet royal expectations for grandeur.
  • The Tudor building, though magnificent, was not large enough to accommodate the king and his entourage of over 300 courtiers.
  • Historians, including Nicholas Pevzner, found the building to be a mystery.
  • Jonathan Foyle proposed a speculative vision of the Tudor palace based on existing buildings on the site.
  • Evidence suggests the presence of a medieval manor hall and two wings at the time of Henry's visits.
  • The first Earl of Bedford, John Russell, played a significant role in the house's history, acquiring it through marriage and royal favor.
  • Archaeological investigations aim to uncover the missing parts of the complex that disappeared over the centuries.
  • Dendro samples and historical documents, like an inventory from 1585, aid in reconstructing the layout of the Tudor house.
  • Confusion arises as archaeological evidence and archival records present challenges in confirming the exact layout and structures of the Tudor palace.

14:15

Challenges in Locating Tudor Palace Site

  • Lack of evidence to support Jonathan's theory for a gatehouse at the site
  • Initial plan for the site is unraveling due to conflicting evidence
  • Observation of the southern wing not appearing as posh up close
  • Southern side of the building lacks windows despite having many chimneys
  • Confusion and disagreement on the location of the Tudor house
  • Discovery of Tudor walls without associated rooms
  • Contradiction between archaeology, architecture, and historical documents
  • Exploration of potential Tudor gardens through earthworks
  • Uncovering a finely engineered drainage system not matching the courtyard
  • Realization that the main part of the Tudor palace may not be where initially thought

28:03

"Discovery of Royal Lodges and Falconry"

  • The courtyard's contents will not be trampled but disposed of properly.
  • A narrow range of buildings, from chapel to hall, is discovered.
  • Speculation about a possible world underneath the wall.
  • A corridor connects the chapel to the hall and a big fine building.
  • The 1585 inventory features the narrow range of buildings.
  • The site's new design is more impressive than expected.
  • The team's discovery has transformed the understanding of the site.
  • A bay window and a drain are found inside a building.
  • Falconry is demonstrated, teaching how to control a bird of prey.
  • The front facade of the royal lodges is revealed, showcasing bay windows and niches.

42:03

Decay of Tudor palace into manor house

  • The royal bed was massive, likely built inside the room due to its size, and may have been used by King Henry VIII in the past.
  • Geofez confirmed the extent of the missing Tudor range, revealing a building 30 feet wide that ran from the gatehouse to the church.
  • In 1627, the family moved to Woburn due to financial difficulties, leaving the palace to decay and be used for storage.
  • The state apartments were left derelict, with valuable glass removed to avoid window taxes, leading to the palace's decline and eventual transformation into a manor house.
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