THORNBURY guild met at Turnberries for the July meeting; apologies had been received from a number of members owing to illness and holiday, but those attending received a warm welcome from chairman Pat Denney.

The guild was represented in the Carnival procession, when a new banner was paraded, and notice was given, and names taken, of forthcoming events in August and September which include an afternoon tea, a visit to Berkeley Castle, the federation quiz and flower and craft show, and a guild lunch in Usk.

Meg Wise is a researcher at Thornbury Museum, where there is currently an exhibition on the early history of Thornbury Castle, and the title of her talk was ‘Heraldry and Symbolism at The Castle’.

The Duke of Buckingham, one of the wealthiest men in the country who also held the title of Earl of Stafford, started building the castle in 1508-1509 on the site of the existing manor house.

Meg showed pictures of the Duke wearing sumptuous clothing, and of his crests and coat of arms; on the main gateway to the Castle the badges carved there can still be seen, as well as in other parts of the Castle.

When he took the Crown to court and was found guilty, the outcome was that he was beheaded in 1921.

The family survived but moved to their estate in Staffordshire.

During the course of her talk Meg related many interesting facts about the history of the Castle at that time, and the vote of thanks for a fascinating insight into the life of the Duke of Buckingham was given by Ros Smith.

Among the raffle prizes winners were Jenny Carlyle, Lesley Body and Barbara Horgan, with Barbara Twining coming first in the competition.

Next month’s meeting is on September 13 when Peter Chaplin will talk about ‘A Job with Bite’, and a favourite dog is the subject of the competition.