Sudeley History Timeline

1655-1837

1655-1782

For two centuries the ruins of Sudeley lay neglected and left to the ravages of the weather, its stones plundered by local builders. The title and estates changed hands many times and what little remained of the Castle was occupied by the tenants of the surrounding estate and was also at one time an inn, the Castle Arms.

1782

Katherine Parr’s tomb was discovered in the ruined Chapel and her coffin opened for the first time.

1788

George III during his stay in Cheltenham visited Sudeley tripped and fell down the staircase of the Octagon Tower only saved from serious injury by Mrs Cox the housekeeper who broke his fall.

1810

Lord Rivers of Stratfield Saye sold the Castle to the Marquis of Buckingham, afterwards Duke of Buckingham and Chandos.

1817

Katherine Parr’s coffin having been opened and plundered on several more occasions was removed from its open grave to the stone vault of the Chandos family.