Home of Katherine Swynford
VISITORS
TO KETTLETHORPE
The visitors' book located in the porch of St.Peter & St.Paul's Church, Kettlethorpe was donated by the Duchy of Lancaster. The inscription inside the front cover reads -
Presented by the Clerk of the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster August 1999.
On the 13th
October 1399 Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster came to the throne as
King Henry IV thus establishing the link between the Crown and his Duchy.
From King Henry descended the House of Lancaster (1399 - 1470).
John of Gaunt,
King Henry's father, married (1396) Katherine Swynford formerly of the
Manor of Kettlethorpe. Katherine was John's third wife. It was the issue
from this union that established the House of Tudor the ruling dynasty
of England from 1485 to 1603.
We actively
encourage all visitors to sign the book. Here are the entries of some of
our visitors that have made interesting comments.
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3
May 2000
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Adrienne
Byrd & Billie Ingham:
Perth, Australia
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Following
Katherine’s footsteps. Thank you for having the church open – would love
a copy of the family tree!
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30
July 2000
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Yvonne
& Katherine Mackie;
Ontario, Canada
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Delighted
to visit this historic spot.
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24
February 2001
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Patricia
& Lea Tredway;
Minnesota, USA
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Have
read the book and wanted to visit Kettlethorpe and Lincoln Cathedral. Beautiful,
sunny day! Love medieval history!
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5
May 2001
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Mary
Ritchie ;
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A
beautiful Church - thank you for the visit.
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21
June 2001
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Doug
& Val Downs ; Mt. Helena, West Australia.
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Formerly
of Eagle. Last visit 1958 repaired arch piers to hall that John Of Gaunt
rode through in Katherine's day. Great!
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7
July 2001
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Beverley
Strawbridge ; Adelaide, South Australia.
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I
like to think that Chaucer was Katherine's brother-in-law.
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26
July 2001
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Hazel
Shaw ; Brier, USA.
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Thanks
for leaving the Church open.
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19
August 2001
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LeAnn
Binford & Kirk J.Campbell;
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A
Katherine fan since age 13
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22
August 2001
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Linda
N. Yagodka;
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Glad
to be here!
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6
May 2002
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Pam
Lemmonds;
New
York, USA
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I’m
on my “Katherine” Magical Mystery Tour !!
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10
June 2002
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Rhonda
Clarke;
Christmas
Island,
W.
Australia
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Just
another one on a “Katherine” pilgrimage. Also my favourite book for over
30 years – this was wonderful !!
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24
June 2002
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Ken
& Beth Carlson;
Maryland, USA
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Returned
on another “Katherine” visit, 29 years after our first visit !
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15
September 2003
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Toni
& Martha Roberts;
Ohio, |
Wanted
to visit after reading "Katherine".
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30
September 2003
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Carol
Sargeant;
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Research
for my unpublished novel on Katherine Swynford titled "Love, Honour and
Royal Blood".
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16
February 2004
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Katherine
Maynard; Australia
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Named
after Katherine.
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1
April 2004
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Brendon
Bellamy; New Zealand
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Came
to trace back my family tree.
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17
April 2004
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John
and Wanda Grimes; USA
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Read
about "Katherine" and wanted to see where she lived - beautiful.
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13
July 2004
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Jacqueline
Paling;
Melbourne,
Australia.
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Loved
Katherine for years.
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| 14 April 2005 | Steve and June Bellamy
Auckland, New Zealand |
Great to see where the ancestors lived and wandered. |
| 26 April 2005 | Jani and Peter Serterhenn
Germany |
At last managed to visit Katherine's home! |
| 30 May 2005 | Jane King (nee Daly-Lewis) & Jonathan King
NSW, Australia |
formerly of Kettlethorpe Hall. |
| 5 July 2005 | Elaine and George Diprose
New Zealand |
Good to see where the Bellamys trod. |
| 15 July 2005 | Neville and Nancy Bevington
Ontario, Canada |
Having met Katherine in Canada, it was lovely to find her here. |
| 17 July 2005 | Duffy and Michael Hindley-Maggs
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife |
Thank you! |
| 15 September 2005 | Peter and Violet Bellamy
New Zealand |
One of the descendants of the Bellamys of this area. |
| 10 October 2005 | Teresa and Ernie Hill
Melbourne, Australia |
Enjoyed the history of the church. |
| 15 April 2006 | Greta Shapcott
Darwin, Australia |
Beautiful! |
| 15 April 2006 | S. Shapcott
South Africa |
Amazing! |
| 02 July 2006 | Bishop David Rossdale | Bishop of Grimsby |
| 11 July 2006 | Pete and Wendy Todd
Colorado Springs, USA |
Splendid!!! |
| 12 July 2006 | Jean Jacqui
Lincoln, Toronto, Canada |
Fantastic! |
| 15 August 2006 | Cheryl Townley
Christchurch, New Zealand |
I read the book "Katherine" in 1968 and have always dreamed of coming here. |
| 24 August 2006 | Ed & Marietta Shafer
Ponte Verde Beach, Florida, USA |
Treading in the path of the past.
Love John and Katherine. |
| 16 September 2006 | Christy K Robinson
Redlands, California, USA |
Descendent of Katherine and John (then Joan Beaufort) |
| 23 September 2006 | Jackie Morgan
Trevittown, Pennsylvania, USA |
A favourite fan of Katherine. |
| 22 October 2006 | Brigadier HE Busing
Germany |
In pursuit of Katherine |
| 23 October 2006 | Chaplain Jeff Walden & Family - Roslyn, Jesse and Lily. Michigan, USA | Katherine descendants |
| 23 October 2006 | Barbara Kanitra
California, USA |
In pursuit of a dream. |
| 13 April 2007 | Anonymous | Had bad accident (car crash). Would like to thank who was looking after me on that Easter Sunday. Very lucky to be alive. |
| 18 May 2007 | C Wyndham
Jamaica |
Lovely church. |
| 03 July 2007 | Kristie Davis Thompson
Knoxville, Tennesee, USA |
So happy to have been here. |
| 01 September 2007 | Margaret & Johny Thirlwell
South Africa |
Interested in Katherine Swynford for many years. |
| 06 September 2007 | Meigs Ranney
Washington DC, USA |
Searching for Katherine and finally found her. Lovely. |
| 06 September 2007 | Jennifer Huntington
Newton, Minnesota, USA |
After years of reading about Katherine. |
| 19 September 2007 | Kenneth White
Wackeke Island, New Zealand |
Superb!! |
| 17 October 2007 | Kimberly Wood
Mt. Juliet, Tennesee, USA |
I have also come to find my heritage as Katherine is my 16 x great grandmother. |
| 09 December 2007 | Nicola & Maureen Miller
Belfast, Northern Ireland |
Lovely old church, Peaceful and uplifting. |
| 31 December 2007 | Jane Crittenden, Norwich | What a tranquil place - much as I imagined it. Another Katherine pilgrim. |
| 04 March 2008 | Catherine Perkintor/Elaine Entwistle, Gloucs & Derbys | Revisiting Katherine Swynford's home ground. |
| 03 April 2008 | Val & Keith Burton, Nunthorpe | In search of Taylor ancestors from Fenton. Found them in your churchyard register. Thank you. |
| 26 April 2008 | John & Jenny Sykes, Whitefield | Came to see the Hall and church associated with Katherine Swynford. |
| 03 May 2008 | Brenda & Robin Davey,
Nr Winchester |
A very pretty well-maintained church. |
| 08 May 2008 | James & Jan Hunt, Boston | Beautiful spot, never forgotten. (Pilgrimage to Katherine). |
| 09 May 2008 | Jan & Gareth Widdows, Cornwall | Jan is from the Swynford family; very peaceful and charming village. |
| 14 May 2008 | Bob & Louise Crawford,
North Canterbury, New Zealand |
Another pilgrimage to Katherine from Fernside, North Canterbury, New Zealand. |
| 16 May 2008 | Howard Adcock, North Hykeham | Out for a walk! |
| 17 May 2008 | Sue & Frank Dawson, Scunthorpe | Nice place and people. |
| 06 June 2008 | John & Edward Wells-Cole,
Lincoln & Maidenhead |
Family graves; peaceful as ever; beautifully kept. |
| 06 June 2008 | Jacky Aspley & Isabella Artist,
Chesterfield, Derbys. |
So nice to have a church open. Beautiful church. Please keep it as it is. |
| 10 June 2008 | Roy & Anne Billingsley | Walk in the footsteps of Katherine. A long and weary road. |
| 23 June 2008 | Nick & Kathleen Warwick, Lincoln | Fascinating; beautifully kept. Love the avenue of trees to the entrance. |
| 07 July 2008 | D Holt, Barnsley | To be where Katherine stood. Great! |
| 19 July 2008 | Ann Grey & K. Gamgee | Peaceful; an oasis and beautifully kept. |
| 20 July 2008 | Dr. & Mrs Bardsley, Slade Horton | Came in search of medieval history. |
| 21 July 2008 | N.W. Jessop, Farndon | Nice to be back. Hi Wilfred. |
| 24 July 2008 | T Hobson | An historical gem. At last able to have done a pilgrimage for Katherine, John of Gaunt and all their family and ancestors. Thank you. xxx |
| 04 August 2008 | Roy Hargraves, Scunthorpe | Beautiful little church. Left me wondering if Lt Col Victor Henry Wells-Cole (wall plaque) was my commanding officer when I was in KOYLI. My memory is not now good. |
| 12 August 2008 | Judith & Peter Alexander, Brighton | Researching family history. Found register of graves & burials invaluable. Found a few Cucksons. |
| 23 August 2008 | Clare Colbrook, Guildford | Returning to my mother's family church (Weaver) and pleased to see the church is growing and maybe the tide is turning. |
| 29 August 2008 | Cliff & Pat Crewe (Nee Brooks)
Cheshire |
Thank you for the wonderful Churchyard Register. |
| 07 September 2008 | John Lord, Hough | Thank you for making me welcome. |
| 08 September 2008 | Jessica O'Toole, Portsmouth | I finally made it. There is a special peace here. |
| 17 September 2008 | Michael & Judith Abbett,
Perth, Western Australia |
Searching for Katherine's earlier days. |
| 18 September 2008 | A & V McLean, North Wales | Here again after 15 years; just as beautiful. |
| 23 October 2008 | Tricia & John Adam. | What a lovely place. I am a descendent of Katherine & John of Gaunt through my great great grandfather who was a chimney sweep! |
| 29 October 2008 | Diana & Jill Williams, Cheshire | Your church is beautiful' Jill wants to get married here! Thank you for all the information on Katherine. |
| 24 November 2008 | Jane Weldon & Morgan McLeod,
Virginia, USA |
Memorable visit - thank you! |
| 07 December 2008 | Sara & Georgei Somerset | Descended from Katherine Swynford |
| 02 January 2009 | Terry & Sue Baxter
Carol & David Houghton |
A fascinating church, beautifully kept. |
| 15 February 2009 | Andrew & Christine Killey | Fantastic to think that this was where Katherine lived. |
| 18 February 2009 | Outi, Mettala & Herklin Lemkkenon, Helsinki, Finland | Suna maisesse ali muriae pitais monen nykyhausen ottae appia! Another Katherine Swynford fan. |
| 07 March 2009 | Lyn & Andrew Cullum
from Old Bolingbroke - birthplace of Henry IV |
Was given "Katherine" to read 6 years ago when we first moved to OB. Reading it again now for the second time. Thought it was time to seek out Kettlethorpe. Magical! |
| 08 March 2009 | Joanne Ravenshead & Sharon Wilford, | We came looking for Katherine and found her here! Now going to Lincoln Cathedral on our pilgrimage to find Katherine and Joan. We shall go to Old Bolingbroke Castle another day!! |
| 18 March 2009 | P Conyers, Lincoln | Lovely, peaceful and open - wonderful. |
| 20 March 2009 | R Short, Great Ayton. | I first read "Katherine" 40 years ago and have finally made it to Kettlethorpe. |
| 20 March 2009 | Lynne Turley,
New York |
A thrill to be here where the beautiful Katherine lived. |
| 22 March 2009 | Gillian Wellings, Bedfordshire | First read "Katherine" when I was 13 years old. I am now 49 and it is Mothers Day, so this is a gift to me, coming here. The book inspired a life long love of history which I share with my son James who accompanied me today. |
| 25 March 2009 | Alison Jeffery | An unexpected pleasant surprise to find such a lovely church open on a sunny afternoon. |
| 29 March 2009 | Helen & Graham Bett | Very interesting - investigating Katherine Swynford. Lots more here than expected. Thank you. |
| 05 April 2009 | Sarah & Ray Northfield, Suffolk | I first read "Katherine" in the 1960's and have always promised myself to come and visit her home. We are here today, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and find such peace and beauty |
| 08 April 2009 | Linda Crook & Evelyn Richardson, Cambridgeshire. | Visiting the area looking for our Bellamy abcestors. Lovely church and helpful info. Thank you! |
| 11 April 2009 | Pauline Gente, Barnsley | I have waited 40 years to see this church and area. Thank you. I read the book "Katherine" as a student and it inspired my love of history. |
| 23 April 2009 | Mike Attwood, Coleraine, Northern Ireland | I have returned, Irene. |
| 27 April 2009 | Sally's Art Class, Scotland | Peaceful and lovely. |
| 09 May 2009 | Justin, Mary & Angela Wilson, Walesby | A very interesting church, particularly the plaques on the wall. |
| 09 May 2009 | Marion & Dave Ellis, Braceby
Pauline Dawkins, London |
A warm welcome. Very informative. |
| 09 May 2009 | A Hides, Grantham | Delightful, peaceful church in an excellent setting |
| 17 May 2009 | Troth Shepherd (Wells-Cole) | We think the cross of Neville Wells-Cole looks very nice and appropriate. |
| 20 May 2009 | Lorna Barnes, Ripon | Overwhelmed to be where Katherine lived, thanks to Anya Seton. Thank you, Kettlethorpe. |
| 20 May 2009 | Margaret Bellars | A lovely church and thank you for all the information. |
| 20 May 2009 | Members of the Lincoln District Beekeepers Association | Thank you for opening up for us. |
| 24 May 2009 | John and Katherine Davies, Lancashire | Wonderful to finally be able to visit the historic places where Katherine lived. Beautiful and tranquil church. Kettlethorpe is a very special place. |
| 27 May 2009 | Jeanette and Paul Jones | Following in the footsteps of Katherine. Wonderful after all these years after discovering her in 1960. |
| 29 May 2009 | Edwrad & Matthew Wells-Cole, Maidenhead | Peaceful, quiet and wonderful. Thank you for your efforts. |
| 30 May 2009 | Robert and Joy O'Dell, Bedfordshire | Peaceful. |
| 01 June 2009 | John and Margaret Thelwall,
Derby |
Such a privilege to visit this church. Descendents of Katherine. |
| 03 June 2009 | Angela Fahy, Otley, W. Yorkshire | A dream come true to visit Katherine's Village church. |
| 07 July 2009 | Roz Rumming, Calne, Wiltshire | Have read and re-read the story of Katherine. A wish come true to visit here. |
| 10 July 2009 | Lynn Nash & Barrie Reeve
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
Following Katherine's life - beautiful church! |
| 13 July 2009 | David & Catherine Wells-Cole
Surrey |
Visiting father, grandfather and many other relatives. |
| 14 July 2009 | Jane Askwith,
Horndean, Hampshire |
"Katherine" fan. |
| 16 July 2009 | Bob & Kim Swinford
Hebron, Kentucky, USA |
Amazing to be here and walk and see what Katherine saw and walked. |
| 20 July 2009 | Julie Habelhamer
Dinnington, South Yorkshire |
What a truly beautiful setting for a church. Tracing family "Hancock" |
| 20 July 2009 | Alf & Ivy Jolly, Bridlington | Memories of Arnold Wingate from school days. God Bless. |
| 22 July 2009 | Ted & Pauline Pasley | St. Peter & St. Paul's, North Wheatley, Retford |
| 23 July 2009 | Alex & Dinis Davie
All Saints, Maungatapu, Tauranga, New Zealand |
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| 26 July 2009 | Paul Boutell, Upton, Lincolnshire | |
| 28 July 2009 | Suzanne & Clive Restall
Ipswich |
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| 01 August 2009 | David Rogers & Ian Critchley
Church Eaton, Staffordshire |
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| 07 August 2009 | Anne & Michael Clement
Woodmancote, Cheltenham |
Thank you for all the information - it brought the wonderful story of Katherine alive. |
| 11 August 2009 | Shirley Hall
Oldham, Lancashire |
Katherine lives again for me. |
| 12 August 2009 | Jian & Frank Carruthers
Merseyside |
So glad we found this treasure. Have been looking forward to visiting Kettlethorpe for some time after reading Alison Weir's wonderful book about Katherine. Have thoroughly enjoyed our visit. |
| 14 August 2009 | Marian & John Williamson
South Yorkshire. |
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| 22 August 2009 | Ann & David Metcalfe | What a lovely church & grounds! Doing some family history & found the church open & family buried here. Wonderful! |
| 23 August 2009 | Lilian Dent & Dennis Cooper
Brigg, Lincolnshire |
Lovely church - interested in Katherine - beautifully kept. |
| 25 August 2009 | Jan McCullock & Kelvin Currie
Australia |
Jan was born in Kettlethorpe. |
| 25 August 2009 | Angela & Duncan Griffith
Flockton, West Yorkshire |
A lovely peacful setting. |
| 26 August 2009 | Pat & Brian Smith
Heybridge, Essex |
Great to be able to visit Ketttlethorpe. "Katherine" was the first adult book I read and began my love of history and reading. Have just enjoyed Alison Weir's book. Thank you to present tenant who came out and spoke to us! |
| 27 August 2009 | Clays Cloggers Walking Group
North Wheatley, Nottinghamshire. |
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| 28 August 2009 | Pat Eaton
Wakefield, West Yorkshire |
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| 28 August 2009 | Janet & David Jones
Wakefield, West Yorkshire |
Thank you for such a lovely warm welcome. |
| 30 August 2009 | Brian & Barbara Casswell
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire |
A beautiful church in a beautiful setting, revisited, married here 1970! |
| 30 August 2009 | Graham & Carole Hepworth
Ecclesfield, Sheffield. |
What a lovely church. God Bless. |
| 31 August 2009 | Gill & Mike Tifenham
Washingborough, Lincoln |
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| 03 September 2009 | Derek & Pat Twinn
Cambridge |
Lovely peaceful and well looked after church - full of history. |
| 04 September 2009 | John Ablott
Alkborough |
To attend to the clock! |
| 14 September 2009 | D. Cresswell
Bulwell, Nottingham |
It was a real pleasure for me to visit the Church and Hamlet of Kettlethorpe as I am a real admirer of Katherine Swynford and her fascinating story. Thank you also for all the information showing in your lovely church. |
| 19 September 2009 | Sue & John Revill
Cardiff, South Wales |
Thank you very much for allowing us into your beautiful church.
What a treat to find the door open and just walk in!! |
| 20 September 2009 | Lindsey, Bex & Charlotte | Even though we are all ill we thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the church and loved the fact that we were in a place of so many memories! |
| 26 September 2009 | Balls & Burtons,
Nottingham |
Enjoyed very much seeing where Katherine Swynford lived and worshipped. |
| 26 September 2009 | Margaret & Norman Redmond
Lincoln (formerly Liverpudlians) |
Enjoyed the peace and charming aspect of church & village. A pleasure to find the church open! |
| 27 September 2009 | Titl Wasl Walking Group
Ruskington, Sleaford |
Peaceful. |
| 30 September 2009
01 October 2009 |
Cameron Newham
Harrogate, Yorkshire |
Thanks for opening early! |
| 06 October 2009 | Richard & Caroline Poyntz-Wright | Thank you for being such a vibrant community! The kneelers and the book describing them are wonderful; also all the historical information. |
| 07 October 2009 | Robin & Wesly Knitler | For over 50 years I have wanted to visit the places where Katherine lived. Through her I began to love the Middle Ages!! Beautiful little church - Thank you. |
| 10 October 2009 | Liane Richardson | So happy to have finally stood where Katherine did. What a lovely village and calm atmosphere. |
| 13 October 2009 | Sara L Golding
Wellington, New Zealand |
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| 14 October 2009 | Doug & Vivian Cline
Draper, Utah, USA |
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| 15 October 2009 | Paul Ambler
Rotherham, South Yorkshire |
In memory of our mum who never saw this church so we came today in her memory and birthday. |
| 16 October 2009 | Ann & Ken Cook
Derby |
Lovely to see at last the place where Katherine lived and worshipped. What a beautiful, well-kept church. You have thought of everything possible to ensure an enjoyable visit. Thank you. |
| 20 October 2009 | J. Norderhay | A dream at last realised to be where Katherine knew. |
| 29 October 2009 | Katherine Lock,
Devon |
Good to come to the place where my namesake lived and find such a pretty church. |
| 31 October 2009 | Leah & Robert Wright
Westminster Abbey |
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| 02 November 2009 | Jean and Barrington Randle
Newark |
In memory of mum. |
| 19 November 2009 | Jean and Barrington Randle
Newark |
In memory of Irene A. Adam |
Last updated : 27th December 2009
Email: katherine@kettlethorpe.com