Buckinghamshire "love nest" of Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn goes up for sale
The cottage is thought to be the oldest building in Stoke Mandeville
Last updated 26th Mar 2021
A cottage, thought to have been where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn met in Buckinghamshire, has gone up for sale.
Legend has it that while Henry was still very much married to Catherine of Aragon, he had already started romancing his second wife to be within the walls of this Grade II listed cottage in Stoke Mandeville.
The Thatched Cottage, which was built in 1409 is said to be oldest house in the village just outside Aylesbury.
So this would make it old enough to have been in existence for trysts between the King and Anne.
A legendary tale
According to folklore, Stoke Mandeville, along with the whole of the Aylesbury area was inherited by Sir Thomas Boleyn.
His daughter, Anne, who was known locally as the ‘Fair Maid of Aylesbury’ didn’t actually live in Aylesbury though, and in fact resided at the family’s castle in Kent.
When Henry started taking an interest in her in 1526, Anne would visit Aylesbury, and it’s said that she would use the Thatched Cottage to entertain the King at clandestine meetings.
Eventually Henry’s marriage to Catherine ended in 1533 and Anne moved into Hampton Court to be with him.
They married and soon after their daughter, Elizabeth I was born.
Unfortunately for Anne she never gave birth to a son, and after suffering three miscarriages, King Henry VIII had her executed.
While its early inhabitants are long gone this beautiful cottage is still standing proud, and boasts original features such as the bread oven, oak beams, and small stained glass windows which depict Elizabeth I and Edward VI.
There is even a stone slab under the dining room floor confirming the date.
Michael Anthony Estate Agents are now marketing the property for someone who fancies a slice of - possible - royal history!