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The Talbot Hotel, Oundle, Northamptonshire
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ALEX LOCKWOOD



Joined: 20 Feb 2009
Posts: 238
Location: UNITED KINGDOM

PostPosted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:39 pm    Post subject: The Talbot Hotel, Oundle, Northamptonshire Reply with quote

There has been a hostelry of that name on the site since 638 AD. The originally, built by monks, provided accommodation and food for travellers and pilgrims. The present building dates from 1626 and 1638, and was constructed by William Whitwell, the then owner.

The stonework is said to have come from nearby Fotheringhay Castle. This fortress was famous for two events. The birth of Richard III [1452]. And the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots [8 February 1587]. Because of the latter, Mary’s son [James I] and grandson [Charles I] undertook such a thorough demolition that nothing remains. I noted that the site - on a farm - is dominated by the original Norman motte.

The most famous part of the Talbot is the staircase. It is said to be the one Mary walked down to her death. On the banister is a ‘crown’ indentation where the heavily-arthritic queen allegedly gripped to keep her balance. Leaving the impression of her ring behind… .

Mary’s ghost has apparently been seen on the staircase. And in the room named after her. Richard Jones, in Haunted Inns of Britain & Ireland [2004] said a guest felt a “clammy presence” pressing her to the bed. He also claimed furniture is moved around by an “invisible hand”. While a picture of the execution “has been known suddenly to jump off the wall”. So a restless Mary seems to be at work. But is it her?

During a visit there a few years ago I had chance to examine the staircase. It is lit by a large mullioned and transomed window with small diamond panes. And - I noted - it has bars. Very prison-like. The staircase is grand with finely-turned balusters and cup-and-cover ornament on the posts. There is a small gate, which is said to have marked the bounds of Mary’s quarters. I found the ‘crown’ only after a diligent search. And a bit of imagination is required too... .

More alarm bells rang. The window appears to be Elizabethan. It is similar to those at Hardwick New Hall, Derbyshire, built by Elizabeth, 6th Countess of Shrewsbury, between 1590 and 1595. [BTW, there is a 'Mary' room at Hardwick. But this was added by the highly imaginative 6th Duke of Devonshire in the 19th Century. The nearest Mary got was the original Chatsworth, owned by the Countess and her husband. The Earl, incidentally, presided over the execution.]

The staircase itself is clearly contemporary with Whitwell’s rebuilding work. If Mary’s ‘imprint’ is anywhere, it could be in the stones themselves. Which might be mid-late 15th Century [contemporary with Richard III?]… .

The only historical link I can find between Mary and the Talbot is that her executioner lodged there. He spent the night of 7 February 1587 eating, drinking, and “made a merry discourse” with a serving girl. Till the early hours. No wonder he botched the beheading!


Last edited by ALEX LOCKWOOD on Tue Jun 07, 2011 12:25 pm; edited 1 time in total
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HENUT-TEPY



Joined: 20 May 2011
Posts: 79
Location: ENGLAND

PostPosted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 12:19 pm    Post subject: Re: The Talbot Hotel, Oundle, Northamptonshire Reply with quote

You certainly know your history, Alex. And are very well-travelled. You have quite a thing about sites with religious connections, although you say you are not particularly so inclined yourself. More 'spiritual' I would say. And I find your theory about hauntings very interesting:-

"If Mary’s ‘imprint’ is anywhere, it could be in the stones themselves."

Smile
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ALEX LOCKWOOD



Joined: 20 Feb 2009
Posts: 238
Location: UNITED KINGDOM

PostPosted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 12:24 pm    Post subject: Re: The Talbot Hotel, Oundle, Northamptonshire Reply with quote

I see what you mean, Henut - Canterbury, Glastonbury, Holyrood, Newstead, etc. The 'chain' starting with my local church! Spooky. Shocked I have always enjoyed travel, and have visited nearly every cathedral in England. I have only one county left to go to - Cornwall... .
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thecactus



Joined: 07 Mar 2011
Posts: 3196
Location: Northern Ireland

PostPosted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 7:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You two should get a room : P

Laughing Laughing Laughing
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flossy
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Joined: 17 Oct 2006
Posts: 4922
Location: UK tyne/wear (geordie land)

PostPosted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 7:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

alex and henut..
which part of the uk are you's from?
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thecactus



Joined: 07 Mar 2011
Posts: 3196
Location: Northern Ireland

PostPosted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 7:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Flossy playing matchmaker lol - Alex is homosexual and Henut (sarah) is married Laughing

Wink Wink Wink
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flossy
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Joined: 17 Oct 2006
Posts: 4922
Location: UK tyne/wear (geordie land)

PostPosted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 8:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

i know Rolling Eyes i just woundered where they were from Smile
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bitterbuck1
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Joined: 18 Nov 2006
Posts: 3963
Location: Arizona, USA

PostPosted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

To bad we don't have a map on here and we can all
put our locations on it.
Or does that sound a bit nerdy?

Confused
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HENUT-TEPY



Joined: 20 May 2011
Posts: 79
Location: ENGLAND

PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 2:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

thecactus wrote:
You two should get a room : P
Laughing Laughing Laughing


Share a room?! Cactus. I think my husband would have something to say about that!
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thecactus



Joined: 07 Mar 2011
Posts: 3196
Location: Northern Ireland

PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 2:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just meant you two seem to like each other Rolling Eyes and should meet up Laughing
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ALEX LOCKWOOD



Joined: 20 Feb 2009
Posts: 238
Location: UNITED KINGDOM

PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 2:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

thecactus wrote:
You two should get a room : P

Laughing Laughing Laughing


And my boyfriend as well... . Shocked I'm not into Love Triangles or Squares Exclamation Exclamation
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thecactus



Joined: 07 Mar 2011
Posts: 3196
Location: Northern Ireland

PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 2:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You never know - you may enjoy each others company Laughing
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HENUT-TEPY



Joined: 20 May 2011
Posts: 79
Location: ENGLAND

PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 3:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

bitterbuck1 wrote:
To bad we don't have a map on here and we can all
put our locations on it.
Or does that sound a bit nerdy?
Confused


No, it isn't 'nerdy', bitterbuck. That sounds like a really good idea! Very Happy

Cactus: "I just meant you two seem to like each other and should meet up"

Well, why didn't you say so? Some people might get the wrong idea! Wink
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thecactus



Joined: 07 Mar 2011
Posts: 3196
Location: Northern Ireland

PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 3:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't think it would be possible for you to 'get it on' Confused

Laughing Laughing Laughing
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thecactus



Joined: 07 Mar 2011
Posts: 3196
Location: Northern Ireland

PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 3:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

(as alex is a gay man and you are a married woman of course)

Laughing Laughing Laughing
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