KETTLETHORPE, LINCOLNSHIRE, ENGLAND

 

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.
 
 

Date of visit	Visitors Name/Home Address	Comments in visitors book.
3 May 2000	Adrienne Byrd & Billie Ingham: Perth, Australia	Following Katherine’s footsteps. Thank you for having the church open – would love a copy of the family tree!
30 July 2000	Yvonne & Katherine Mackie; Ontario, Canada	Delighted to visit this historic spot.
24 February 2001	Patricia & Lea Tredway; Minnesota, USA	Have read the book and wanted to visit Kettlethorpe and Lincoln Cathedral. Beautiful, sunny day! Love medieval history!
5 May 2001	Mary Ritchie ; Bryanston, South Africa.	A beautiful Church - thank you for the visit.
21 June 2001	Doug & Val Downs ; Mt. Helena, West Australia.	Formerly of Eagle. Last visit 1958 repaired arch piers to hall that John Of Gaunt rode through in Katherine's day. Great!
7 July 2001	Beverley Strawbridge ; Adelaide, South Australia.	I like to think that Chaucer was Katherine's brother-in-law.
26 July 2001	Hazel Shaw ; Brier, USA.	Thanks for leaving the Church open.
19 August 2001	LeAnn Binford & Kirk J.Campbell; Dallas, Texas, USA.	A Katherine fan since age 13
22 August 2001	Linda N. Yagodka; Milleronille, Indiana, USA	Glad to be here!
6 May 2002	Pam Lemmonds; New York, USA	I’m on my “Katherine” Magical Mystery Tour !!
10 June 2002	Rhonda Clarke; Christmas Island, W. Australia	Just another one on a “Katherine” pilgrimage. Also my favourite book for over 30 years – this was wonderful !!
24 June 2002	Ken & Beth Carlson; Maryland, USA	Returned on another “Katherine” visit, 29 years after our first visit !
15 September 2003	Toni & Martha Roberts; Ohio, USA	Wanted to visit after reading "Katherine".
30 September 2003	Carol Sargeant; British Columbia, Canada.	Research for my unpublished novel on Katherine Swynford titled "Love, Honour and Royal Blood".
16 February 2004	Katherine Maynard; Australia	Named after Katherine.
1 April 2004	Brendon Bellamy; New Zealand	Came to trace back my family tree.
17 April 2004	John and Wanda Grimes; USA	Read about "Katherine" and wanted to see where she lived - beautiful.
13 July 2004	Jacqueline Paling; Melbourne, Australia.	Loved Katherine for years.
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
26 July 2009	Paul Boutell, Upton, Lincolnshire
28 July 2009	Suzanne & Clive Restall Ipswich
01 August 2009	David Rogers & Ian Critchley Church Eaton, Staffordshire
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.
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.
28 August 2009	Pat Eaton Wakefield, West Yorkshire
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
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
14 October 2009	Doug & Vivian Cline Draper, Utah, USA
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
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
24 January 2010	Sheila McLoughlin Scunthorpe	Following up the story of Katherine Swynford; pleased to see this church.
07 February 2010	Melody Popovic	I Like this church
14 February 2010	Judy Jameson Cornwall	Interested in Katherine Swynford story.
14 February 2010	Lynn El-Amery London	Researching Katherine after reading Anya Seton's book.
14 February 2010	Richard & Maureen Wrath Lincoln	Re-affirmed wedding vows.
17 February 2010	Don & Caroline Seaman Bircher, Herefordshire
14 March 2010	George & Doreen Ashton	Churchwarden St Mary le Wigford Church, Lincoln
14 March 2010	Janet Carter Lincoln
20 March 2010	Linda Garcia Ashford, Kent	Many thanks for making your church so accessible, welcoming and informative
21 March 2010	Bethan Spriggs	Like the church!
21 March 2010	Megan Garratt	Like the church!
21 March 2010	Paul & Jennie Clement Lincoln	Very peaceful
23 March 2010	S & A Cobby Wokingham	Always associated with "Katherine"; lovely to visit again
04 April 2010	Miranda S Palmer Gloucestershire	V. Beautiful
09 April 2010	Susan de Winter	A very interesting church
10 April 2010	Katherine Jamieson New York, USA	Another Katherine paying her respects.
14 April 2010	Charlotte Eyre & Marietta Hahn	Lovely. Just ben to see the horses.
23 April 2010	Denis Bellamy	My ancestor, Samuel Bellamy, left the village to set up business as a goose herder in Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire. The Bellamys (BEL AMIS) settled in Dunham and Laneham in the 13th century as henchmen of the Dukes of Flanders.
24 April 2010	C. William Foster Bishop Wilton, York	On a "Katherine" pilgrimage after reading Anya Seton. Wonderful.
27 April 2010	Edward Leigh Stanton le Vale
05 May 2010	Margaret Watson Barnard Castle
08 May 2010	Karyn Agrah & Elizabeth Johnston	Fulfilling a long-held ambition to visit Kettlethorpe. Can't quite believe I'm finally here!
08 May 2010	Mr & Mrs Lowe Southport, Lancashire
15 May 2010	John & Jennifer Tinnion Leeds
15 May 2010	Tony & Elaine Parkinson Market Rasen
15 May 2010	Marianne Bullock Grantham
15 May 2010	Mick & Yvonne Smalley Laughterton
15 May 2010	Pen Cooke Grayingham
15 May 2010	R & J Thornton Lincoln
15 May 2010	Peter Hacker & Patrick Forman Harrogate, N. Yorks
16 May 2010	Peter Miles Lincoln
16 May 2010	Shirley Davey Buxton, Derbyshire
16 May 2010	F. Townsend Gainsborough
16 May 2010	Pam & Tim Denby Withern, Alford, Lincs
16 May 2010	Alan & Sheila Revill Gainsborough
16 May 2010	Bunty & Geoff Allen York
21 May 2010	Keith Swann Washingborough, Lincoln
21 May 2010	Hadding Parrier Worth, Germany
21 May 2010	Norma D. Rahmeyer Bad Bergoubern, Germany
16 May 2010	Mike & Margaret Gough Fillingham	Chairman, The Churches Festival
16 May 2010	Ann & David Power Nettleton
16 May 2010	J. Linegar Cabourne
16 May 2010	Ian Johnstone Saxilby, Lincolnshire
16 May 2010	Frances Jeffries Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
16 May 2010	Hannah Wright Sowerby, Thirsk, North Yorkshire
16 May 2010	James Papp New York, USA
16 May 2010	Andrew Hoyle Fishtoft, Lincolnshire
16 May 2010	Freda Matthews Moortown, Lincolnshire
16 May 2010	Mary Perry Cheadle, Cheshire
17 May 2010	J. Allsop Hagworthingham, Lincolnshire

Last updated : 25th May 2010

For further information, please contact:
Email: katherine@kettlethorpe.com