History of Yattendon Castle in the Royal County of Berkshire
by David Nash Ford

Y A T T E N D O N
C A S T L E

Fateful Setting for Anne's Dance

The great Norreys family held Yattendon Castle for many years. John Norreys of Ockwells, a Knight of the Shire for Berkshire, had obtained permission to embattle the manor house here in 1448 & to empark some 600 acres. Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon were visitors during the latter years of their marriage. While there, the Queen's lady-in-waiting, Anne Boleyn, of whom the King was already enamoured, dropped her handkerchief during a dance. It was retrieved by Lord Henry Norreys, thus setting in motion the rumours that led to both he and Anne eventually losing their heads for adultery.