Media And Publications

‘‘Absolutely Authentic’’

David Starkey

Acton Court Guidebook

ISBN 9781 738563913

This new publication charts the story of Acton Court from medieval site to royal courtier’s manor house, its decline to yeoman's farm house and eventual dilapidation. 

In 1535 Sir Nicholas Poyntz built and sumptuously decorated the East Range to honour the visit of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, during their summer progress through the West Country. 

In the late 20th century The Bristol Visual and Environmental Group and English Heritage saved Acton Court from demolition. The Acton Court we know today emerged from the hard work and input of these organisations along with the dedication, determination and expertise of many individuals.

210 x 260mm paperback, 36 pages

Fully illustrated.

£7.50 Excluding postage & packing

To order please call us on 01454 228 224 or contact us online for further information.

Acton Court past publications

The following publications on Acton court are now out of print.

 Acton Court: The evolution of an early Tudor courtier’s house

Published by English Heritage - out of print - download pdf here 

ISBN 1 873592 63 9

This major report is a detailed account of archeological investigations carried out during the restoration of the house. It describes the large scale excavations which brought to light the medieval manor house and its associated landscape. It includes a history of the Poyntz family and the discovery of the remarkable fact that the surviving building was built as a lodging for Henry VIII on his progress round the region in the summer of 1535. Possibly because of the house’s neglect in the 20th century, much detail survived which might have otherwise been swept away during earlier renovations. Notable discoveries included a very fine frieze in renaissance style as well as a remarkable collection of contemporary pottery, glass and other domestic articles recovered from the moat.

A book for those with a keen interest in 16th century artefacts and architecture.

English Heritage has a long tradition of producing highly illustrated archaeological monographs about key sites and topics of importance to the understanding of the historic environment in England. Many of the past titles have long been out of print and yet are still of value for reference purposes. As a service to the wider archaeological community, English Heritage is now making these titles available as ebooks (see the English Heritage Publishing catalogue for details) and as PDFs which can be accessed here for free.

The PDFs are, in the main, scans of the original publications and reproduce the pages of those publications. While we have tried to ensure that the pages are legible, file size limitations may mean that some pages are less clear and, in case of doubt, users should consult the original publication. We have included scans of large foldout illustrations, but not the contents of any microfiche that was in the original volumes.

Rediscovering Acton Court and the Poyntz Family

Published by Visual & Environmental Group - out of print

When Dorothy Brown of the BVEBT first found Acton Court, it was in such bad condition that parts of it were held up with scaffolding poles. Dorothy’s involvement very possibly saved the house from demolition and was instrumental to its scheduling and recognition as one of the most important Tudor buildings in the country. This guide-sized book describes the exciting process of unearthing the extraordinary history behind Acton Court. It covers its rescue, the work done by English Heritage, their archaeologists, and the current owners to save the building for the future. The book also includes an abridged history of the Tudor members of the Poyntz family of Iron Acton and their descendants, written by Jean Manco.

A4 paperback, 36 pages

Over 200 illustrations in colour and black & white.

by Lesley Saunders Published by Mulfran Press 2014  - out of print

Lesley Saunders is the author of five books of poetry. Her work has been widely published and has won numerous awards and prizes. The Walls Have Angels was inspired by her residency at Acton Court and its summer visitors in 1535, King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

Paperback, 60 pages

Postcards featuring photographs of the house and gardens and architectural details are also available.

Pack of 6 £3.00 Excludes postage & packing

To order please call us on 01454 228 224  or contact us online.

First broadcast October 2017

Historian David Starkey tells the story of the Protestant Reformation and how it transformed the face of modern Europe, including scenes filmed at Acton Court. 

BBC 2 website

First broadcast 2013

Building on the phenomenal success of ITV and the British Museum’s 2012 series Britain’s Secret Treasures, ITV commissioned a further landmark history series, this time in conjunction with English Heritage. These homes, many still lived in by members of the public have all borne witness to discoveries, events and happenings that have changed the course of history. This series is presented by Michael Buerk and Bettany Hughes with a host of high profile additional presenters telling the stories of homes which have a relevance to them.

Acton Court has been chosen as one of the top 50 most interesting and historically significant homes in Britain. 

First broadcast 2013

In ‘The Most Dangerous Man In Tudor England’, Melvyn Bragg explores the dramatic story of William Tyndale and his mission to translate the Bible into English. 

BBC 2 website

Episode 1, Royal Progress - First broadcast May 2012

Griff goes on a Tudor adventure as he retraces the route taken by Elizabeth I from Windsor to Bristol, calling at Acton Court en route.

BBC 1 website

First broadcast September 2011

Writer and film-maker James Runcie talks to Hilary Mantel about her childhood and visits the places that have inspired her, including Acton Court.

Watch clips on BBC Two webpage

First broadcast 2009

David Starkey presents a four-part “psychological profile” of Henry VIII.

First broadcast Easter 2009

Time Team 2009 Easter Weekend Special presented by Tony Robinson.

Time Team’s Tony Robinson and archaeologist Rob Bell during filming at Acton Court. 

The publications below contain articles on Acton Court.

Acton Court is top feature in May 2008 issue of Current Archaeology issue number 218.

April 2008 issue.

Acton Court features in July 2007 issue of World of Interiors.

Western England / Simon Jenkins (Reader’s Digest)

Simon Jenkins.

Timothy Mowl.

There is a letter about our Road Campaign and petition

in the March 2011 edition of the magazine.