Lyveden New Bield

Heritage Site in Northamptonshire

England

Lyveden New Bield

Triple Press Cultivator This enormous machine seems well suited to the heavy clay wheat prairies. The trees in the background surround a pond in grid square SP9787. The cultivator is on the SP98 gridline — Triple Press Cultivator Credit: Will Lovell

Lyveden New Bield is a remarkable Elizabethan lodge located in Northamptonshire, England. Built around 1605 to 1608, it stands as a testament to the vision of Sir Thomas Tresham, a devout Catholic and member of a prominent local family.

The lodge, also known as a "new bield," was designed as part of a larger complex that was never fully completed due to Tresham's death in 1605. Despite its incomplete state, Lyveden New Bield remains an exceptional example of Elizabethan architecture. The lodge features a central great chamber with an intricately carved ceiling and a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. It is surrounded by a moat and beautiful gardens, which were designed to be symmetrical and symbolic in nature.

Lyveden New Bield is not only architecturally significant but also holds historical importance. Sir Thomas Tresham was a staunch Catholic during a time of religious turmoil in England, and the lodge was intended as a refuge for his faith. The building's design incorporates Catholic symbolism, such as the number three and various religious motifs, which showcase Tresham's religious beliefs.

Today, Lyveden New Bield is managed by the National Trust and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the lodge, gardens, and the wider estate, which includes a working farm. The site offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the skill and creativity of Elizabethan architecture, as well as the historical context in which it was created.

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Lyveden New Bield Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.457/-0.555 or Grid Reference SP9885. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Triple Press Cultivator

This enormous machine seems well suited to the heavy clay wheat prairies. The trees in the background surround a pond in grid square SP9787. The cultivator is on the SP98 gridline

Will Lovell

Lyveden Bields [1]

Lyveden Old Bield is also known as Lyveden Manor House. Built in the late 16th century and altered in the early 20th century. The existing 'l' shaped building was originally part of a larger house around an open courtyard. Constructed of ashlar under Collyweston and Welsh slate roofs. Listed, grade I, with details at: Link

In rural Northamptonshire, the Lyveden estate has a manor house (Old Bield) an incomplete summer house (New Bield) and the remains of an Elizabethan labyrinth, garden and orchard. The gardens were rediscovered in 2010. Both houses are listed, and the gardens are on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. The estate is in the care of the National Trust.

Michael Dibb

Lyveden Bields [2]

Michael Dibb

Lyveden Bields [3]

New Bield was constructed circa 1605 in ashlar with white limestone dressings. Built for Sir Thomas Tresham, a fervent Roman Catholic, the house has a design full of religious symbolism. Designed on a plan reminiscent of a Greek cross, the facades have a strict symmetry. The exterior of the building is decorated by friezes of a religious nature. New Bield was never completed. It remains as it was when the builders left following Sir Thomas Tresham's death. Listed, grade I, with details at: Link

A Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link