After lunch we walked on, actually enjoying the off-and-on-again rain through shady woodlands before descending to the ancient Saxon capitol of Winchcombe, a town of about 4,000 people. Just outside of town, we passed the 15th century Sudeley Castle, which has royal connections stretching back over 1,000 years, including Richard III, Elizabeth I and Lady Jane Grey.

Sudeley Castle

Henry VIII’s sixth wife, Katherine Parr, lived and died in this castle. She is now entombed in a beautiful 15th century church found within the Castle’s gardens, which are world-renowned. Had the entry fee not been 43 GBP, we might have opted to tour the castle and grounds, but instead decided to hike on into town. As we left the castle grounds, we passed by what must have been the Gatekeepers quarters, which today looks like it might be serving in the same capacity.