Lyveden New Bield is an unfinished Elizabethan summer home near Aldwinkle in Northhamptonshire.
Sir Thomas Tresham to symbolise his Catholic faith, Lyveden remains incomplete and virtually unaltered since work stopped on his death in 1605.
There are tranquil moats, viewing terraces and an Elizabethan orchard to explore, as well as an enigmatic garden lodge covered in religious symbols. The full extent of Sir Thomas’s symbolic design remains unexplained to this day. It was only until when the Luftwaffe aerial photos of the area were studied that the remains of a very complicated Elizabethan maze were discovered as well.
It’s the best time of year to discuss Lyveden due to the property’s connection with the Gunpowder Plot. Francis Tresham inherited the incomplete Lyveden New Bield on the death of his father Thomas earlier in 1605. Francis is believed to have written the anonymous letter to William Parker, Baron Monteagle, which exposed the Gunpowder Plot to the authorities. Francis’ death following his imprisonment for involvement in the plot meant the Elizabethan lodge passed to his younger brother Lewis. Lewis’ reckless lifestyle increased the Tresham’s debts and Lyveden fell out of the family’s hands.
If you are a keen walker, start the circular Lyveden Way here.
Lyveden is a National Trust Property open from 10am-5pm every day. You can find it here: Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5AT
Have you ever visited Lyveden?
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
Battle Abbey
Bourton on the Water, Cotswolds
Gloucester Cathedral
Hadrian’s Wall
Hastings Castle
Hastings Old Town
Haworth
Hever Castle
Christ Church College
Windsor Castle
Pin it for later:
