Whether it’s a Bank holiday or any other weekend, Layer Marney
\n is the perfect place to take the family for a fun-packed day out. Situated
\n down a quiet, single-track lane, well signposted from the historic town
\n of Colchester, it is hard to believe that anything so beautiful could
\n exist in the heart of the Essex countryside – that is until you
\n reach the gates leading to the estate.<\/p>\n
Seeped in history, the tower is the tallest, most elaborate Tudor gatehouse
\n in England and an initial glimpse of the striking building will take your
\n breath away. Constructed in the Italian design, popular in the period
\n in which it was built and made from terracotta bricks, the gatehouse is
\n a vibrant red colour and very eye-catching.<\/p>\n
The house spans either side of the tower itself and is currently occupied
\n and so not open for public viewing. Beautifully designed gardens surround
\n the building and a signpost to the left of the tower indicates the presence
\n of the church of St Mary The Virgin, where regular Sunday worship is still
\n practised.<\/p>\n
Lying to the South of the main gatehouse is the very long and very narrow,
\n Long Hall. Features include a wrought iron fireplace on the right hand
\n wall and black iron chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The room itself
\n is panelled with black wood and is the ideal venue to re-enact a Tudor
\n banquet, where the staff will dress for the period and provide appropriate
\n entertainment in the form of fire-eaters, jugglers or jesters.<\/p>\n
On departing the hall you find yourself in a large courtyard, consisting
\n of the Corsellis room (currently split into two housing the gift shop
\n and the tearoom), and the barn that contains a collection of rare breed
\n animals, many of which can be fed. There are also two farm walks, starting
\n from the barn and varying in length, which include the chance to see the
\n red deer that roam the grounds.<\/p>\n
Entrance to the tower itself is via wooden double doors, passing a marbled
\n jaguar cat on either side, into a small entrance room with archways to
\n the left and right. All windows are arched and those in the entrance hall
\n span the length of the wall. Dark curtains hang to the ground either side
\n of the window and deer heads hang over each arch.<\/p>\n
Those interested in Layer Marney’s history are advised to visit
\n the History room – a large room thought to be the place where Queen Elizabeth
\n I stayed on a visit to the tower in 1579 – which houses a model
\n replica of the estate and also contains historical information. This room
\n is found between the stairwells on the right and left of the tower and
\n is reached via a well-maintained, spiral, wooden staircase. 95 steps lead
\n to the top, where breathtaking views of the estate and surrounding countryside
\n can be observed.<\/p>\n
The estate is of interest to all ages and many events are held here,
\n including craft fairs where there are activities and goods on offer for
\n both young and old. It is also a popular venue for both civil ceremonies
\n and wedding receptions and corporate events are often held here, where
\n activities on offer include clay pigeon shooting, archery and jousting.<\/p>\n
The tower has a colourful history and has seen many occupants over the
\n years. It was built by Henry, the first Lord Marney, who wanted a home
\n that would reflect his position as an important member of the royal court
\n and it was originally intended to be a rival to Hampton Court Palace.
\n By his death in 1515 only one side of the tower had been completed, however,
\n the work was continued by his son until his death in 1525.<\/p>\n
Though many others have lived at Layer Marney, the major restoration
\n of the house was carried out by Sir Walter Zoete, who owned it from 1904.
\n Following his death, ownership of the house passed to the Carrington family,
\n descendants of whom currently occupy the property.<\/p>\n
The history of Layer Marney Tower has led to it becoming a place of interest
\n to those interested in paranormal activity. The voice of the first Lord
\n Marney can often be heard echoing throughout the church that adjoins the
\n tower and he may also be seen sliding down the banisters of the tower
\n staircase as he attempts to scare those who interrupt his descent of the
\n stairs.<\/p>\n
All in all, if you’re ever in Essex with nothing to do, do pay
\n Layer Marney Tower a visit. It’s a beautiful building set in beautiful
\n countryside and is a little piece of history that should not be missed.<\/p>\n
Layer Marney is open to the public daily from 1st<\/sup> Clare is 27 years old and has a BSc in Anatomy and MSc in Forensic Science. Whether it’s a Bank holiday or any other weekend, Layer Marney is the perfect place to take the family for a fun-packed day out. Situated down a quiet, single-track lane,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","css_class_manager_body_classes":"","css_class_manager_use_in_post_loop":false},"categories":[2,3],"tags":[25],"class_list":["post-285","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-archive","category-main-article","tag-december-2002"],"yoast_head":"\n
\n April till 5th<\/sup> October 2003 and admission costs
\n are £3 per adult or £2.50 per child. Further information can be gained
\n from the website www.layermarneytower.co.uk<\/p>\n
\n She used to work at New Scotland Yard until she fell ill in December 2000
\n with ME. Clare is a first time mum to 8 month old Lauren and wife to Andrew.
\n She writes freelance in any spare time and hope to begin writing a crime
\n novel later this year (Beetle: PD James, watch out!<\/i>) She is currently
\n writing a children’s fairy story and various articles for mother
\n and baby magazines.<\/p>\n
\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"