Compton Wynyates

Over the porch of Compton Wynyates are carved the arms of Henry VIII. Within the spandrels of the arch are the badges of Katherine of Aragon, then Henry's queen, and a Tudor badge which also survives in the arms of Westminster. The house was planned around a series of courts on the usual scheme of the day, with its great hall within the inner courtyard where it was served by kitchen and buttery. The sleeping quarters were arranged on the floors above the two flanking wings, and the chapel was situated on the Eastern side. With a lofty hall cutting the building into two sections, two staircases must have been needed for the occupants to gain access to the sleeping chambers.