Tattershall Castle

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1. 

   E January 14, 2017 at 6:28 pm

   Thank you so much for another great talk, Sarah. It is so interesting to learn all about the history of the castle and I have added it to my list of places to visit! As in your talk last month, I really enjoyed the beautiful shots of the red brick tower and of the atmospheric interior, together with that lovely music. The fireplaces are really impressive and those views must be amazing. I can’t wait to visit and let my imagination imbue those rooms with life. Thank you again for a lovely talk.

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2. 

   R January 16, 2017 at 12:03 am

   Hi Sarah, thanks for recalling to me my fond memories of a lovely day spent at Tattershall. I loved the Collegiate Church as well, where Brandon wanted to be buried. The rebels actually got into Tattershall before Brandon took it over, but the story goes that they got rather drunk and were easily thrown out. They did some damage beforehand.

   The view from the top, is well worth it. I remember wanting to make it up there, having just had three operations on my knees earlier in the year. Because the stairs are in good nick and lead one floor at a time you can of course break up the ascent of four to six floors. I was very impressed by the red brick, especially as it predates the Tudor heights of fashion. You really can see for miles. I was impressed by the fires and those tapestries, some of which were registered as belonging to Brandon in his itineraries. You are quite right, there is not much furniture, but the information shows how it would have looked. I can imagine Margaret Beaufort or Brandon keeping lordly style there. All the coats of arms of the Earls of Lincoln and associated families, Brandon with royal arms, were also impressive on the windows. There was one wall that visitors had inscribed on, we added ours. I don’t agree that there is nothing of the other remains. There is not a lot, but ruins on either side can clearly be seen, showing how extensive it was originally. It is certainly defensive, but also built to show off. Other Tower houses in Lincolnshire attest to this being a style of the area as well as for the very practical use of being able to see attackers for miles. The gatehouse has left its mark on the landscape as archaeology shows the stone posts have left physical impressions in the ground. A plan on the board also shows how imposing it was. They built well in those days, to make a statement and intimidate.

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