The inspiration

Until she became queen in 1553, Mary Tudor had never lived so lavishly as she did during her stay at Ludlow Castle. The young princess moved to the town in 1525, accompanied by her governess and a hefty royal entourage. For three happy winters, she was showered with all the pomp and ceremony expected for the sole heir to England's throne.

It's quite possible, too, that she stayed for a spell at Castle Lodge. As plague broke out in Ludlow, Mary was moved from the castle to a 'place solitary' to avoid the infection. Could this solitary place have been the grand Tudor townhouse next door?