Lyveden New Bield from SW adj IMG_4777
The part-built 3-storey building is in the shape of a Greek cross, with bays at the end of each arm. The classical styling contrasts with that of Rushton Triangular Lodge, but the symbolism of Sir Thomas Tresham's Catholic faith is equally omnipresent in the design.
The current low entrance is through the S-bay, via the sunken concealed servants' entrance. We are looking at the W and S-arms. To the left the W-arm contains the Great Hall and Great Chamber. The S-arm contains the sunken servants entrance and the grand staircase.
The corners of walls are neatly dressed with crisp long and short blocks. The main windows have crisp beautifully-detailed crosses. The lowest frieze of shields await the masons, who downed tools in 1605, shortly after Sir Thomas's death, when his heir Francis died whilst under investigation for the failed Gunpowder Treason.
Another storey containing a gallery, perhaps with a further rooftop walk, was also envisaged. Those windows would have afforded sweeping views in all directions - added security for a family trying to celebrate a faith for which they were regularly and heavily fined, which branded them as at best of doubtful loyalty to the Protestant Crown at the end of Queen Elizabeth's reign. (Sir Thomas's grandfather had held the appointment of Grand Prior of the Order of St John of Jerusalem under Mary Tudor.):
To the North - the canals, mounds, terraces, orchard and Lyveden Old Bield, with Lyveden deer park beyond
To the East - the bridleway towards Wadenhoe and the Nene Valley and over Tresham's sheep pastures
To the West - over pastures and Tresham's flocks of sheep, which by 1597 numbered some 6,000 animals
To the South - over the treetops of Rockingham forest.
Lyveden New Bield from SW adj IMG_4777
The part-built 3-storey building is in the shape of a Greek cross, with bays at the end of each arm. The classical styling contrasts with that of Rushton Triangular Lodge, but the symbolism of Sir Thomas Tresham's Catholic faith is equally omnipresent in the design.
The current low entrance is through the S-bay, via the sunken concealed servants' entrance. We are looking at the W and S-arms. To the left the W-arm contains the Great Hall and Great Chamber. The S-arm contains the sunken servants entrance and the grand staircase.
The corners of walls are neatly dressed with crisp long and short blocks. The main windows have crisp beautifully-detailed crosses. The lowest frieze of shields await the masons, who downed tools in 1605, shortly after Sir Thomas's death, when his heir Francis died whilst under investigation for the failed Gunpowder Treason.
Another storey containing a gallery, perhaps with a further rooftop walk, was also envisaged. Those windows would have afforded sweeping views in all directions - added security for a family trying to celebrate a faith for which they were regularly and heavily fined, which branded them as at best of doubtful loyalty to the Protestant Crown at the end of Queen Elizabeth's reign. (Sir Thomas's grandfather had held the appointment of Grand Prior of the Order of St John of Jerusalem under Mary Tudor.):
To the North - the canals, mounds, terraces, orchard and Lyveden Old Bield, with Lyveden deer park beyond
To the East - the bridleway towards Wadenhoe and the Nene Valley and over Tresham's sheep pastures
To the West - over pastures and Tresham's flocks of sheep, which by 1597 numbered some 6,000 animals
To the South - over the treetops of Rockingham forest.