My dear Andrew
Sorry it’s been such a long time, but one doesn’t get out much. I see that you are well. Lizzie and I are about the same.
One has been dead now for going on 511 years. Those cynics among my people who refuse to believe that we spirits can take occasional excursions into our future – your present – should think again. Anyway, recently, we went back to Stoke Golding, where, one was crowned on 22 August 1485. The current Prime Minister (how things have changed, eh, Majesty?!) should think twice about what it means to die in a ditch: his remains might be discovered under a space port car park in the year 2525 (oh yes, we get all the latest ditties here at the Abbey). Thing is, being a normally-shaped, white Englishman, no one will know who they have dug up.
Incidentally, as the lingo has changed so much, we thought we would get this ghost-written. And one had some great sport with a camera borrowed from a recent acquaintance, who prefers to be called Patrick, even though the weather was pretty dull. One hopes one’s next day out will be better, without wanting to upset too many folk.
One didn’t want to disturb you, but was tickled pink by the name of your neighbour’s boat. One gathers this song was a particular favourite of yours at the time, though The Scaffold belongs in a bygone era, sadly.
[Ed. With apologies to The Scaffold, and their number one hit Lily the Pink. It was a favourite at the time in the late sixties.]
Here are a few random shots:
Forgive the size, but it was our finest hour!
These buildings were not there at the hour of one’s triumph, but the church is recognisable. That said, the Church of England was young Harry’s doing, a sort of Halxit.
Oh, and perhaps you could relay to the Duke of Cambridge that if he thinks his little brother Harry is troublesome, he should just think about how mine turned out. Six wives indeed, and two of the poor wenches put to death. And his progeny were little better (at least I am not known as “bloody Henry”), though my Queen and I are proud that our niece is still known as Good Queen Bess. By the end of my reign there was peace with Scotland, strong ties with the new super power Spain, and a stable, prosperous, wealthy kingdom that had never had it so good. Yes, we do spin at the Abbey, too!
Pray visit us soon,
Henry VII R
Transcriptions of blue plaques
THE CHARITY OF THOMAS BARTON
THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Founded in 1678 by MISTRESS HESTER HODGES for the teaching of male children in English, Latin & Greek languages
600TH ANNIVERSARY 10TH JULY 2000
THE CHARITY OF THOMAS BARTON
THE CHURCH OF ST. MARGARET of ANTIOCH
This mediaeval church in the decorated Gothic style was built and extended during the 13th and 14th centuries
600TH ANNIVERSARY 10TH JULY 2000
Andrew's Kindred 