
Someries Castle - Beds
Posted by:
Norfolk12
N 51° 52.158 W 000° 22.548
30U E 680661 N 5749756
Quick Description: The magnificent brickwork can still be seen in the remains of the gatehouse, incorporating the chapel and lodge, which still stands today.
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/19/2009 3:46:11 PM
Waymark Code: WM7PT6
Views: 1
Long Description:"Someries Castle (sometimes spelled Summeries castle) is a
Scheduled Ancient Monument, in the Parish of Hyde, near the town of
Luton, in the county of Bedfordshire, England.
It was built in the 15th century by Sir John Wenlock. Although
always referred to as a castle it was actually a fortified manor
house.
The name of "Someries Castle" was derived from William de
Someries, who had a residence on this site, but the title "castle"
is contentious since it hardly describes the structure to which it
is applied. The site was acquired by Wenlock in 1430 and building
the mansion commenced. The house is unique in that it is regarded
as one of the first brick buildings in England.
The house was never completed by Wenlock, and was partly
demolished in the 18th century. The magnificent brickwork can still
be seen in the remains of the gatehouse, incorporating the chapel
and lodge, which still stands today.
The remains of the original manor house and/or the earlier
Norman Castle are now visible only as earthworks that outline the
plot where the house originally stood. Some bricks from the manor
house were used to build the nearby farm houses in the 17th
century.
The castle closed to the public in February 2007 and was
surrounded by scaffolding, which has damaged the original
brickwork. It reopened in 2008."
details from wikipedia
There are some unusual features in the brickwork of this building,
look for the handrail set into the bricks on the round tower, also
the shields along the top of the main hall, but be aware that their
is a notice warning of falling masonary.