The unexpected link between Laurel and Hardy and mediaeval royal power
You can create an incredible historic trail through the county by mapping out the sites tied to Lady Margaret Beaufort. Adding these stops to your route perfectly bridges the gap between your Laurel and Hardy history in Barkston and the medieval royal power of the East Midlands.
Here is a geographic breakdown of the spots you can integrate into your itinerary, complete with a map tracking the locations from north to south.
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1. The Northern Stronghold: Tattershall Castle
If you drive roughly 40 minutes north-east of Barkston, you will find the towering red-brick fortress that once belonged to Margaret.
- The Location: National Trust - Tattershall Castle (Sleaford Rd, Tattershall, Lincoln LN4 4LR). [1]
- The Link: Confiscated from the House of York, this magnificent castle was granted directly to Margaret Beaufort by her son, King Henry VII, to expand her sweeping regional land portfolio.
- What to See: You can climb all the way to the top of the 15th-century keep for breathtaking panoramic views of the flat Lincolnshire fenlands that Margaret loved. [1]
- Visitor Info: Standard opening hours are 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Saturday–Wednesday); the castle is closed on Thursdays and Fridays. [1]
2. The Childhood & Marital Haven: Bourne Castle Earthworks
Heading south from Grantham or Tattershall brings you into the market town of Bourne, where Margaret spent some of her happiest, most peaceful years.
- The Location: Bourne Castle at Wellhead Park (15 St Peters Rd, Bourne PE10 9NF). [2]
- The Link: Margaret held the Manor of Bourne from 1445. During the dangerous Wars of the Roses, she sought refuge at Bourne Castle with her second husband, Sir Henry Stafford, tending to its legendary rooftop gardens.
- What to See: The stone castle itself is gone, but the historic medieval earthworks and banks of the old castle moat are perfectly preserved inside a peaceful public park. It features lovely walking paths, a lake, and natural streams. [2, 3, 4, 5]
- Visitor Info: The park is free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [2]
3. The Seat of Power: Stamford
Finishing your journey at the southern tip of Lincolnshire brings you to the stunning stone town of Stamford, which Margaret effectively ruled from her nearby palace.
- The Location: St Mary's Church, Stamford (St Mary's Hill, Stamford PE9 2DS).
- The Link: As a deeply spiritual leader, Margaret heavily financed local religious life in Stamford, joining the town's prestigious Guild of St Katherine and personally supporting local anchoresses (religious recluses).
- What to See: This magnificent 12th-century church sits right on the edge of the town centre. Step inside to experience its spectacular medieval architecture and historic stained glass windows.
- Visitor Info: Located right on St Mary's Hill, it makes a perfect starting point for a walking tour of Stamford's famous Tudor and Georgian streets. [6, 7]
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Historic Site | Primary Connection to Margaret | Best Feature for Visitors | Open Timing | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tattershall Castle | Grand estate granted to her by the King | Roof battlements with 360-degree views | 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Sat-Wed) | National Trust entry fees apply |
| Bourne Castle | Her beloved residential home and manor | Medieval moated earthworks & lakeside paths | 24 Hours (Mon-Sun) | Free entry |
| St Mary's Church | Town she patronized and legally arbitrated | Stunning 12th-century architecture & glass | Daytime hours | Free (Donations welcome) |
I can help you build this into a sequential itinerary. Would you like to know about places to stay in Stamford to wrap up your trip, or should we look at driving times between Barkston and these sites?
Collyweston is a stunning, historic village perched on a hill just three miles west of Stamford. While the physical buildings of Lady Margaret Beaufort’s grand palace are no longer standing, the village itself is a beautiful destination for history enthusiasts. [1, 2]
Here is what you can visit and experience in Collyweston:
1. The Lost Palace Ground & St Andrew’s Church
The Palace Site
- 2.0 ⭐ (1)
- Historical landmark
- Stamford
You can see the original footprint of Lady Margaret Beaufort’s Palace. While only grassy earthworks, humps, and low stone boundary walls remain today, it was once a massive royal manor featuring a jewel house, library, and sprawling gardens meant to rival Hampton Court. [1, 2, 3]
St Andrew’s Church
- 5.0 ⭐ (2)
- Church
- Back Ln
Located right next to the palace grounds. Head inside to the Lady/Tryon Chapel, which hosts a permanent Village History Exhibition. It is open daily and contains real archaeological artefacts uncovered from Margaret's palace site. Local history groups also occasionally run guided walking tours from the church. [1, 2]
2. The Legacy of Collyweston Slate
The village is world-famous for its thin, blue-grey limestone roofing slate. You can explore this unique industrial heritage at two distinct locations: [2]
The Priest's House Museum
- 4.4 ⭐ (134)
- Tourist attraction
- Stamford
Located just a few minutes away in the neighboring village of Easton on the Hill. Managed by the National Trust, this 15th-century building houses the primary Heritage Museum for Collyweston Slate Mining. It features fascinating exhibits, an educational film, and tools detailing the historic slate-mining trade. [4]
Collyweston Quarries Nature Reserve
- 4.3 ⭐ (10)
- Nature reserve
- Stamford
Known locally as "The Deeps", this 16-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest is an old limestone quarry site. It is now a beautiful, open-access nature reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust, perfect for a peaceful walk to see how nature has reclaimed the historic mining trenches. [5, 6]
3. Food and Drink: The Collyweston Slater
- Complete your visit by stopping at The Collyweston Slater pub (Postcode: PE9 3PQ). It is a gorgeous, centuries-old country inn featuring crooked oak beams, flagstone floors, and an immaculately preserved traditional Collyweston slate roof. It serves fantastic local beers and high-quality pub meals, making it the perfect lunch spot on your itinerary. [2, 5, 7]
Would you like help calculating the driving time from Barkston down to Collyweston, or would you like to explore other stops along the way?
if you drive through it just seems like a charming, sleepy village. I think most people that pass through won’t know that it was the site of one of the most significant palaces of early Tudor England.
Margaret Beaufort acquired Collyweston in 1487, two years after her son was crowned King, after the Battle of Bosworth. It became her longest place of continued residence. Michael Jones, who has also written about the palace, has described it as a sort of satellite court in the Midlands. At this point, most of the Royal palaces would have been clustered in and around London.
https://thetudortravelguide.com/margaret-beaufort-and-the-palace-of-collyweston/
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