Aldwincle and Lyveden New Biuld walk

                                                                                            

Today's Walk

Starting Point

Nice hot late Spring day and another walked all set up. Starting point today is the village of Aldwincle in the east Northamptonshire. I'm quite excited as the walk today will take in the mythical 'Lyveden New Biuld'. Somewhere I've never been before and possibly the greatest folly in the County?

Church St Wadenhoe

We don't see too much of Aldincle as we quickly  get on the 'Nene Way' path following the River Nene into the picturesque village of Wadenhoe.

Not much sign of life around these parts  at all though. The pub though must be popular with it's garden backing on to the river. A lovely place to sit outside and enjoy a pint in better times I'm sure.

There are signs for 'Lyveden Way' which sounds very promising to me. 

Church of St Michael and all Angels.

The church of St. Michael and All Angels is    interesting as it stands high on the hill. The  ground falls rapidly from west to east and the chancel stands high above the level of the churchyard.

It has a claim to fame too ! The Church was used as the backdrop for the opening scenes of the 1999 version of A Christmas Carol starring Patrick Stewart.

The tower is all that is left of a late 12th-century church (c. 1195–1200) the chancel and nave of which were rebuilt some time in the next century.

'Lyveden New Build'

The first sight of 'Lyveden New Build' takes your breathe away. With perfect blues sunny skies and a blanket of emerald green lush grass it stands resplendent. It's picture postcard stuff as the strong breeze gives the grass a moving quality enhanced by the sun. 

It is really feels remote and set in the middle of nowhere. Now owned by the National Trust and a Grade I listed building. It is not so much a ruin as an unfinished building! It looks so new, as though it is still a work in progress and not a ruin. The big problem is that there is no roof....

The truth is there has been no further work for the last 400 years. Not since it was started in 1594.

It was constructed forSir Thomas Tresham a well known Roman Catholic of Rushton Hall. 

The New Bield has a religious design full of symbolism. Designed on a plan reminiscent of a Greek cross,  the facades have a strict symmetry.Each wing ends in a 5 sided Bay Window. set in the remains of a garden. The number symbolisation of 3,5,7 and 9 is obviosu throughout. Each floor had three rooms with a staircase in the south projection of the cross. The number three signifies the Holy Trinity. Five is the number of wounds on hands, feet and side of Christ. Seven standds forthe seven sorrows of our lady amongst various others. 

One man and his dog

Meadows of wild flowers

 The actual bulder of 'Lyveden' was Thomas Stickellsand was obviously meant for occupation, as it has a great hall, parlour , kitchen and dairy in the basement. 

There was aven a moat around the building which the National Trust have reconstructed. 

Taking a photo

Sir Thomas Tresham died in 1605 following decades of religious persecution, his once vast wealth having been severely depleted. His son Francis Tresham inherited the estate, but within the same year, along with his cousins Catesby and Wintour, he became involved in the Gunpowder Plot....

Francis's son Lewis Tresham then took over (the third owner). The estate was managed by Lewis's mother until her death in 1615. Lewis Tresham, a spendthrift, lost the remaining family wealth. The estate was eventually sold following the death of his son in 1643.

                                                                                     

River close to 'Lyveden New Biuld'

We walk through Fermyn Woods into Lady's wood and safely navigate our way (after a slight detour) back into Aldwincle.