September 2011
Acton Court featured in
Hilary Mantel: A Culture Show Special
Writer and film-maker James Runcie talks to Hilary Mantel about her childhood and visits the places that have inspired her.
BBC Two webpage
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July 2011
Open for tea
This summer, visitors who do not wish to go on a formal tour, will be able to enjoy tea and home made cakes in the South Court.
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March 2011
David Starkey: Acton Court
and the Tudors
On 10 March 2011, highly respected broadcaster and historian Dr. David Starkey gave a talk on Acton Court at the University of Bristol. He emphasized the rare nature of Acton Court’s survival, commenting that the East Wing, which remains largely intact, was built in haste as a temporary accommodation for the visit of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in August 1535. Dr. Starkey also spoke about the part important local families, such as the Poyntzs of Iron Acton, played in Tudor social structure and noted that Acton Court was the first building of the Reformation, decorated to celebrate Henry’s second marriage.
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February 2011
Acton Court awarded Grade 1 listing
Acton Court was listed as Grade 2 in 1952. Following further investigations in 1985, English Heritage scheduled the entire site, including the house and everything above and below ground. The scheduling over-rides listing in terms of protection and the listing was not revised. However, following an application by the Bristol Environmental Trust, this anomaly has now been corrected, and as of February 2011, Acton Court is Grade 1 listed including the Tudor gateway and flank walls and it is also fully scheduled. These two national designations reflect the rarity of the property and its architectural and historical significance to Britain.
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January 2011
Road campaign and 1535 Petition
Acton Court is participating in a campaign to restrict the HGV
traffic going past the Court that we believe endangers the
scheduled/Grade 1 listed Tudor gateway and walls that are only
a metre from the road. We are also concerned for the safety of
our summer visitors. We are asking for a 7.5 tonne weight limit.
Our aim is to present the council with 1535 signatures to match
the date of the house. Please sign our petition: signatures
from all over the country and abroad welcome.
Letter in County Life Magazine
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