Having left the castle we have walked along part of the High Street where we come to Keere Street on the left where we see this
Fifteen*th Century Bo*ok Shop
As I step through the door on the corner and take a photo of what is obviously a great collection of old children's books a lady immediately appears and very rudely says "delete that immediately" while ushering me to the door and slamming it in my face!
How I wanted to browse those books, seeing many of my childhood favourites, but not now!
Instead we begin to walk down the hill, our intention is to visit "Anne of Cleves" House, a bit of a walk yet
It's mid afternoon and children are on their way home from school
We come to Anne of Cleves 15th Century Timber framed house. She was the 4th wife of King Henry VIII
It formed part of Queen Anne's annulment settlement from King Henry in 1541 although she never visited the property
Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII; it was a very brief marriage, to the astonishment of all observers but the relief of both spouses. Henry infamously referred to his bride as a 'Flanders mare' and told courtiers and ambassadors that he could not perform his husbandly duties because of Anne's appearance. Anne's reaction to Henry's physical charms was not recorded, but she agreed to an annulment very quickly and remained in England for the rest of her life. Henry was grateful for her cooperation and granted her a generous income and several homes, including Hever Castle. Anne enjoyed an independent lifestyle denied most women, often visiting Henry's court as an honored guest. Her fondness for English ale and gambling were her only vices. Along with her successor as Henry's wife, Catherine Howard, Anne remains a mysterious figure about whom too little is known. Had she and Henry remained married and had children, the course of English history might have changed dramatically. But the mysteries of physical attraction denied Anne her place on the throne, ended the brilliant career of Thomas Cromwell, and thrust the king into the arms of his ill-fated fifth queen, Catherine Howard.
The place is not heated so it closes at 4.30 pm and it is now 4.15 pm so we do not go in to look around
but begin to make our way back to the car instead
We are actually on our way to a conference centre and have access to our room after 4.0 pm and it is extremely cold
Looking back down the hill - note the original cobble stones
Passing Bull House built in 1480 where between 1768 - 1774 lived Thomas Paine, writer and revolutionary
and back past the castle entrance
through the Barbican arch
passing some tiny cottages
and do you feel you are being watched while walking past this door
Interesting the late afternoon sun shining on the castle as it goes down. Another 5 minutes and we will be back to the car.
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