Layer Marney Tower |
| Hob Uid: 383525 | |
Location :
Essex
Colchester
Layer Marney
|
| Grid Ref : TL9285017480 |
| Summary : Early 16th century house originally intended to be a courtyard house, but it was never completed. The building comprises a two-storey block with a three storey gate house. A restoration was carried out during the 20th century. Begun in 1523 by the first Lord Marney and continued by his son in 1524. The gatehouse is fine rennaisance work, said to have been designed by the King's architect Guiliamo de Travizi. It is 80 foot high, of red brick, with terracotta dressings and diapering.On the south side are flanking semi-octagonal turrets of eight storeys. On the north side are seven storey square turrets. The small west wing has two storeys and attics, with tiled roofs. The north wing is modern. The complex includes a barn, which although largely rebuilt, includes 13th century material. This lies to the east side of the copmlex. The south side is composed of a long gallery of brick. Internally there are many original features, such as doorways, fireplaces, plaster ceilings and wood panelling. There is also an original terracotta fireplace which has been moved to the modern wing. |
More information : (TL 9285 1748) Layer Marney Hall [GT]. (1)
"Layer Marney Towers or Hall [see AO:60:120:4 and plan
AO:60:120:3] N.E. of the church, is generally of two storeys with
a gatehouse of three storeys. The walls are of brick, with terra-cotta dressings to the gatehouse; the roofs are tiled. The house was begun early in the 16th century by Henry, 1st Lord Marney, but at
the time of his death in 1523, and that of his son in
1524, the building was probably incomplete, and it has never
since been finished. It has been restored in the 20th century, when
the gap between the gatehouse and the E. wing was filled in. A short
N. wing is also modern and the barn has been rebuilt.
The gatehouse is a valuable example of early Renaissance ornament
and the roof of the long gallery is interesting." (2)
'Layer Marney Hall' (name confirmed) large private residence as above
described and in good condition.
See G.P.s AO/60/153/5 Gatehouse from NE; /6 Gallery range from
NW; /7 Gatehouse from S; /8 East Wing from NW. (3)
The property is now called 'Layer Marney Tower' its old name. (4)
The house is Grade 1. (5)
Updated architectural description and historical details. (6)
Additional reference with aerial photography. (7) |