Six Wives of One King- Syon House

On a rainy afternoon we visited Syon House on the Thames 10 miles from the centre of London.
One of the benefits of rain is that it keeps the tourists away, so consequently we had the House almods to ourselves. The room stewards or Dosens as the American call them were only too delighted to talk to you and point out things that you would just walk on by.

We were especially pleased to be allowed over the rope on a couple of occasions to view portraits and they showed us a family portrait painted by Gilbert Stuart a very important US artist. Of course with the room stewards, they are very knowlegeable and to ask them about a portrait you can't quite see on a quiet day makes their day.

The House is built on a medieval monastary started by Henry V in 1415 as a Brigetine Order and features prominantly in the Tudor Century. It was where Catherine Howard was incarcerated after her arrest and before she was taken to the Tower of London. Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed Queen in the Long Gallery here. Catherine of Aragon, pious lady that she was, came here often to make her devotions. Anne Boleyn, fired into the Nuns for their wanton incontinence ( wicked behaviour ) and the place suffered the dissolution.

There are also some medieval out buildings used now as offices and shops and there is a Victorian great Conservatory that was used as the model for the Crystal Palace exhibition. A good day and a gentle start to the Six wives tour.