The Cluniac Abbey of Bermondsey had at different times two noteable visitors.
The first of these was Katherine, the wife of Henry V., the French Princess whom Shakespeare has made so familiar in connection with the blunt wooing of her gallant lover, and who alone perhaps of all her country's children, could have re-conquered France from the conqueror as quickly as she threw the nuptial tie around him.
Few marriages, promising so much of State convenience, have ended in giving so much individual happiness as Henry enjoyed with his young and beautiful bride.
His early death was grieved by all; his courtiers and his nobles wept by his deathbed: what then must have been her feelings at his loss? Fortunately, perhaps, Katherine was not present at the last moment, nor did she learn the dreadful news for some days afterwards.
Some years later the monks of Bermondsey were suddenly summoned from all parts of the monastery by the stroke on one of the great bells twice repeated, to receive this distinguished visitor.
Upon the Queen's near approach, two of the great bells would ring out a resounding welcome, and then the Abbot would advance to meet her, saluting her with his blessing, and sprinkling holy water over her. The procession entered the church and made a stand before the crucifix, where the visitor prayed.
Service in honour of the Saviour, as the patron Saint, followed; choir boys sang, the organ played, and at the end the Queen found the best accommodation the Abbey could furnish provided for her use. She appears to have found all she desired, as she remained at Bermondsey till her death.
One little incident occurred while she was in residence at the abbey, which is supposed to have been caused in some way by the dissatisfaction of the Court at her second marriage, with Owen Tudor, a Welsh gentleman, and through this match, founder of the Tudor dynasty.
On the 1st of January 1437, her son the young Henry VI. sent to her at Bermondsey a token of his affection in the form of a tablet of gold, weighing thirteen ounces, on which was a crucifix, set with sapphires and pearls. She was then, no doubt, very ill as two days later she died.