Distance from Broadway - 50 miles
(11 miles - Bristol)
Thornbury is a small market town in South Gloucestershire. There is evidence that Thornbury dates back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages but the earliest documented evidence of Thornbury's history dates back to the 9th century, with a settlement of "Thornbyrig". The Domesday Book noted a manor known as "Turneberie" with 103 residents. The town charter was created in 1252. The earliest parts of Thornbury’s St. Mary’s Church are thought to have been built around the 12th century, with additions being made over the centuries. Thornbury's most notable feature is its Castle, a Tudor Castle Palace boasting the oldest Tudor gardens in England. The Castle was designed circa 1510 for Edward Stafford, third Duke of Buckingham, but was not completed until after Stafford was executed for treason. The two intricate red-brick chimneys were built in 1514, and are similar to those found at Hampton Court Palace. Following the Duke's demise the castle was confiscated by King Henry VIII who stayed at the Castle for 10 days in 1535 with Anne Boleyn. Following the English Civil War the Castle fell into disrepair but was renovated in 1824 by the Howard Family. Thornbury Castle is a now a renowned luxury hotel and restaurant.
Thornbury's coat of arms is the arms of four families
important in the town's history: Attwells, Howard, Clare and Stafford. John
Attwells left £500 in his will for the establishment of the Free School
which merged with the grammar school in 1879. The Attwells coat of arms was
later adopted as the badge for the grammar school, now Marlwood School. The
other three families held the manor at Thornbury over several centuries. It has
the motto Decus Sabrinae Vallis (Latin for "Jewel of the Severn
Vale").
The picturesque High Street brings visitors from around the area, and the
museum provides much information on Thornbury and its history.
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Thornbury Castle Luxury Hotel &
Restaurant