Layer Marney Tower

Heritage Site in Essex Colchester

England

Layer Marney Tower

Birch: Very boggy field and practically full drainage channel
Birch: Very boggy field and practically full drainage channel Credit: Michael Garlick

Layer Marney Tower is a historical gem located in Essex, England. This grand Tudor mansion stands proudly on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Built in the early 16th century by Henry, 1st Lord Marney, the tower is a testament to the architectural brilliance of the time.

The tower boasts a stunning red brick exterior, adorned with intricate detailing and decorative features. Its imposing presence is enhanced by the octagonal turrets and battlements that crown the structure. Inside, visitors can explore the lavish interiors, complete with oak paneling, ornate ceilings, and beautifully carved fireplaces. The Great Hall, with its impressive hammerbeam roof, is a true sight to behold.

Surrounded by picturesque gardens and parkland, Layer Marney Tower offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. The gardens feature vibrant flowerbeds, serene ponds, and even a walled garden where herbs and vegetables are grown. There is also a charming tea room, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of cake while taking in the idyllic surroundings.

In addition to its architectural splendor, Layer Marney Tower also has a rich history. It has been owned by the Charrington family since the 1950s and has welcomed visitors from all over the world. The tower has been carefully preserved and restored over the years, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its beauty and heritage.

Today, Layer Marney Tower serves as a popular heritage site and wedding venue. It offers guided tours, educational programs, and hosts various events throughout the year. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Layer Marney Tower is a must-visit destination in Essex.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Layer Marney Tower Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.822/0.793 or Grid Reference TL9217. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Birch: Very boggy field and practically full drainage channel
Birch: Very boggy field and practically full drainage channel
Birch: B1022 junction
Birch: B1022 junction
Birch: Fields
Birch: Fields
Layer Marney Tower.  Essex The magnificent Tudor gatehouse of this renowned Essex Mansion, built by Henry, the first Lord Marney, who never lived to see its completion.
Layer Marney Tower. Essex
The magnificent Tudor gatehouse of this renowned Essex Mansion, built by Henry, the first Lord Marney, who never lived to see its completion.
Pond in Tiptree Parish Field This pond is fed by <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2403213">TL9115 : Layer Brook</a>. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2403260">TL9115 : Tiptree Parish Field</a> was declared as a local nature reserve in 1999 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.wildessex.net/sites/Tiptree%20Parish%20Field.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.wildessex.net/sites/Tiptree%20Parish%20Field.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> it is managed by Tiptree Council <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=1486" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=1486">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Pond in Tiptree Parish Field
This pond is fed by TL9115 : Layer Brook. TL9115 : Tiptree Parish Field was declared as a local nature reserve in 1999 LinkExternal link it is managed by Tiptree Council LinkExternal link
Tiptree Parish Field Declared as a nature reserve in 1999 the Parish Field is rich in wild flowers. see
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.wildessex.net/sites/Tiptree%20Parish%20Field.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.wildessex.net/sites/Tiptree%20Parish%20Field.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> & <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=1486" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=1486">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Tiptree Parish Field
Declared as a nature reserve in 1999 the Parish Field is rich in wild flowers. see LinkExternal link & LinkExternal link
Horse and cattle grid, Layer Marney
Horse and cattle grid, Layer Marney
Layer Marney Tower, Essex
Layer Marney Tower, Essex
Black sheep, Layer Marney
Black sheep, Layer Marney
Postbox and signpost, Layer Marney
Postbox and signpost, Layer Marney
A very overgrown rampart The rampart is a deep ditch dug by the Romans. It was used to defend the Romans from another army.
A very overgrown rampart
The rampart is a deep ditch dug by the Romans. It was used to defend the Romans from another army.
Wheat field near Layer Lakes In winter this is just grass.
Wheat field near Layer Lakes
In winter this is just grass.
Pathway looking towards the Rampart The rampart is a defensive ditch <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2801512">TL9017 : A very overgrown rampart</a>
Pathway looking towards the Rampart
The rampart is a defensive ditch TL9017 : A very overgrown rampart
Shooting tower
Shooting tower
Interior of the function hall, Layer Marney Tower
Interior of the function hall, Layer Marney Tower
The Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower My second visit in 33 years.  The only difference I can see from my 1979 picture <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2368828">TL9217 : Layer Marney Tower.  Essex</a> is the dense evergreen hedging either side of the path has either been re-planted or heavily cut back.
The Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower
My second visit in 33 years. The only difference I can see from my 1979 picture TL9217 : Layer Marney Tower. Essex is the dense evergreen hedging either side of the path has either been re-planted or heavily cut back.
Layer Marney Tower,  Essex Taken from the steps in front of the gatehouse,looking the reverse way from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3086012">TL9217 : The Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower</a>. The view is now down the path, beyond the wrought iron gates to the buildings of Hall Farm, and on further into the lush Essex countryside.
Layer Marney Tower, Essex
Taken from the steps in front of the gatehouse,looking the reverse way from TL9217 : The Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower. The view is now down the path, beyond the wrought iron gates to the buildings of Hall Farm, and on further into the lush Essex countryside.
The Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower Built of the very finest Tudor bricks, this magnificent gatehouse is the tallest gatehouse in England. As was the custom of those that had wealth, it was meant to impress. To show just how much your status was above that of your contemporaries.
The Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower
Built of the very finest Tudor bricks, this magnificent gatehouse is the tallest gatehouse in England. As was the custom of those that had wealth, it was meant to impress. To show just how much your status was above that of your contemporaries.
Show me another place!

Layer Marney Tower is located at Grid Ref: TL9217 (Lat: 51.822, Lng: 0.793)

Administrative County: Essex

District: Colchester

Police Authority: Essex

What 3 Words

///magazines.beam.under. Near Tolleshunt Knights, Essex

Related Wikis

Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower is an incomplete early Tudor country house, with gardens and parkland, dating from about 1523, in Layer Marney, Essex, England, between...

Layer Marney

Layer Marney is a village and civil parish in the City of Colchester district of Essex, England, near Tiptree. Layer Marney has a Tudor palace called Layer...

Smythe's Green

Smythe's Green is a hamlet on the B1022 road, in the Colchester district, in the county of Essex, England. It is located in between the villages of Tiptree...

Layer Breton

Layer Breton is a village and a civil parish in the City of Colchester district of Essex, England. According to the 2011 census there were 144 males and...

RAF Birch

Royal Air Force Birch or more simply RAF Birch is a former Royal Air Force station in Essex, England. The airfield is located 2 mi (3.2 km) northeast...

Tolleshunt Knights

Tolleshunt Knights is a village and civil parish in the English county of Essex. The Parish has a Parish council, and lies within the area of Maldon District...

Oxley Meadow

Oxley Meadow is a 3.2-hectare (7.9-acre) nature reserve in Tolleshunt Knights, near Tiptree in Essex. It is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.The site...

Tiptree Parish Field

Tiptree Parish Field is a 2.2 hectare Local Nature Reserve in Tiptree in Essex, England. It is owned and managed by Tiptree Parish Council.The site is...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.822,0.793
Fountain
Lat/Long: 51.8221529/0.7969431
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 51.8220017/0.7991464
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Layer Marney Tower?

Leave your review of Layer Marney Tower below (or comments, questions and feedback).