This year we celebrate 500 years since the death of Henry 1st Lord Marney, builder of the house and Lord Privy Seal to Henry VIII.
The house is an incomplete Grade I red-brick Tudor Palace with Italianate influence, beautiful terracotta work and a fascinating church. Henry VIII definitely came to stay and it is suspected that Elizabeth I dropped by for a brief rest.
The range of buildings is about 300 feet long, with the tower stretching 80 feet high. Layer Marney Tower is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in the country. Although it has had many owners, it has always been a family home - each family rich enough to live there but not rich enough to change it.
The house has a lovely garden and close by, the church stands with the tombs of the Marney Family. The wooden Essex Barn predates the house.
There are two exhibitions in the tower, Crowns and Crests from Knights of the Garter 1953 -2003 and Pictures from East Anglian Artists from the Victor Batte Laye Trust.
The tour will be from one end of the building to the other, going behind the scenes into the private parts of the family home, as well as some of the larger rooms not open to the general visitor. The tour is mainly on the ground and first floor and is unique to Invitation to View visitors. Most dates are arranged on days when the place opens in an afternoon which allows you to return to as a normal visitor to the tower, gardens and church at no extra cost, until 5pm.
Tours include traybake with tea or coffee. Tickets £21.
What our visitors say:
- We had a wonderful visit to Layer Marney yesterday. The day went very well - including the weather! Sheila Charrington gave us an excellent guided tour which everyone was talking about on the way home.
- Although technically intruding into a private house we were made most welcome. They passed on their enthusiasm to us and all of a sudden it was 5 o’clock.
- Even though the weather was not good, everyone had a brilliant time!! Our guided tour was the best ever (and we have been around, ha!ha!) and everyone loved the house and tower.
LOCATION
Layer Marney Tower, CO5 9US
Event organiser is Historic Houses.
Disclaimer: All information was correct when the listing was prepared. Any questions about the event should be directed to the event organiser.