Acton Court tour. Sunday 19th May.

Rob Bell took us on a two hour journey around this Tudor gem. The site is like a giant jigsaw with many pieces missing. The Poyntze family (Robert and Nicholas in particular) were constantly rebuilding the house and moving things around. The archaeologists Rob Bell and Kirsty Rodwell spent many years sorting out what went where. A great deal was found in the moat which was used as a rubbish tip. Archaeologists love rubbish!

The high point in the house’s history was the 1535 visit of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. The East Wing was specially built for their visit. Given the speed and method of construction (nine months) it is amazing it did not collapse whilst his majesty was staying there. Unfortunately for the Poyntze family a combination of overspending on the house and backing the wrong side in 1550s led to their decline. By 1680 the family were bankrupt. Acton Court was partially dismantled and when Rob and Kirsty arrived in the 1980s the house was in a very poor state. Acton Court is not normally open to the public and so we were very lucky to be shown around. A big thank you to Rob Bell for such an exciting tour.