Situated in the middle of the Northamptonshire countryside a few miles from Oundle, Lyveden New Bield together with its adjacent Elizabethan water garden is one of my favourite places for an outing. The uncompleted building dates from the end of the 16th century while the cottage on the left, now a delightful tearoom, dates from around 1690 when it was built using abandoned stone from the New Bield. For more details see list.historicengland.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1001037.

Tags:   Northamptonshire Lyveden New Bield Lyveden Cottage Elizabethan Water Gardens National Trust landscapes countryside Grade I-listed buildings

© All Rights Reserved

One of the three National Trust properties in Northamptonshire is Lyveden New Bield, which was built for Sir Thomas Tresham at the end of the 16th century. Adjacent to Lyveden New Bield in the middle of the countryside near Oundle, Tresham designed extensive water gardens, but for centuries little evidence of these remained. Some years ago National Trust experts studying photographs taken by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War discovered the remains of an Elizabethan labyrinth, gardens and orchard in the grounds. The gardens were gradually uncovered and have been restored to their former glory. There is a series of canals forming a square, with a meadow in the centre. At each of the four corners is a spiral mound - one is seen here - which enabled ladies to gracefully walk to the top to enjoy the view.

Tags:   Northamptonshire Lyveden New Bield Elizabethan Water Gardens canals landscapes countryside 16th century gardens gardens National Trust

© All Rights Reserved

Lyveden New Bield was designed by Sir Thomas Tresham in the late 16th century. It is set in the middle of the Northamptonshire countryside near Oundle and was never completed. It remains roofless. The building, which is owned by the National Trust, is in the shape of a cross and has a large number of Catholic symbols on the exterior. Tresham was a recusant Catholic politician, and had to pay substantial fines for refusing to participate in Anglican church services. He eventually ran out of money, dying in 1605.

Adjacent to Lyveden New Bield, Tresham designed extensive water gardens, but for centuries little evidence of these remained. Some years ago National Trust experts studying photographs taken by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War discovered the remains of an Elizabethan labyrinth, gardens and orchard in the grounds. The gardens were gradually uncovered and have been restored to their former glory. There is a series of canals forming three sides of a square, with a meadow in the centre. At each of the corners is a spiral mound - one is seen on the left - which enabled ladies to gracefully walk to the top to enjoy the view.

For further details see list.historicengland.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1001037

Tags:   Northamptonshire Lyveden New Bield National Trust Elizabethan Water Gardens gardens canals 16th century architecture landscapes Grade I-listed buildings Grade I-listed Historic Parks & Gardens

© All Rights Reserved

Adjacent to Lyveden New Bield, this Elizabethan Water Garden has been restored by the National Trust in recent years. There is a series of canals forming a square, with a meadow in the centre. At each of the four corners is a spiral mound which enabled ladies to gracefully walk to the top to enjoy the view.

Tags:   Northamptonshire gardens Elizabethan Water Gardens National Trust

© All Rights Reserved

Designed by Sir Thomas Tresham in the late 16th century, Lyveden New Bield, which is near Oundle in Northamptonshire, was never completed and remains roofless. The building is in the shape of a cross and has a large number of Catholic symbols on the exterior. Tresham was a recusant Catholic politician, and had to pay substantial fines for refusing to participate in Anglican religious ceremonies. He eventually ran out of money. An Elizabethan water garden has been excavated in recent years, and is adjacent to the property, which is owned by the National Trust.

Tags:   Northamptonshire Lyveden New Bield National Trust

© All Rights Reserved