Sept. 15, 2024
Tower Tours 4
Nestled in the heart of the Essex countryside, Layer Marney Tower invites you to embark on a captivating journey through time. With roots tracing back over 500 years, this remarkable gatehouse stands as the tallest in England, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the past. Join us for an enlightening 60-minute guided tour and discover the stories and secrets of this historic gem. Your adventure begins with a knowledgeable guide leading you through the enchanting grounds, from the picturesque gardens with serene estuary views to the charming Church and culminating with a climb to the top of the grand Gatehouse. As you wander, our guide will share fascinating details about the intricate Tudor craftsmanship and architectural marvels that define Layer Marney Tower. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, feel free to dip in and out of the tour. If climbing the steps of the Gatehouse isn’t for you, enjoy the spectacular garden views while you rest. With your ticket including general admission, arrive early to start your day with a leisurely stroll through our lush gardens and perhaps a light lunch at our tea room, savoring sandwiches, cakes, or a warm cup of tea. After the tour, unwind with a cool lemonade or treat yourself to an ice cream from our gift shop, the perfect way to cap off your visit and cherish the moments spent in this extraordinary place. Plan your visit now and immerse yourself in an unforgettable day where history and beauty converge at Layer Marney Tower. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique outing, our tour offers a captivating experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. **HeritageXplore - Step into the Past, Enjoy the Present**. We can't wait to welcome you to Layer Marney Tower!
BOOK A VISIT
- House and Gardens Book now
Event open to holders of House and Gardens, tickets on Sept. 15, 2024
The tour lasts for 60 minutes from 14:00 - 15:00.
The full tour does not have disbaled access.
The ticket includes general admission to the house and gardens.
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MORE ABOUT THIS LOCATION
LAYER MARNEY TOWER
Experience the breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the tower, explore the historic collection of 45 crowns and crests from the Knights of the Garter, and marvel at the intricately designed large dolls' houses.
Layer Marney Tower
This incomplete Tudor tower is the best example in Britain, and rather beautiful in its own inimitable way, built of brick and terracotta. Layer Marney was built by Henry Marney, 1st Baron Marney who died in 1523, and so the project was taken on by his son John. When he too died two years later, the project was never finished. Nevertheless, Layer Marney has long been a comfortable family residence, having housed 11 families in it 500-year history.
With John Marney dead, his daughters became wards of the powerful Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk who sold Layer Marney to Sir Brian Tuke, treasurer to the Royal Household.
In 1667, the tobacco merchant Nicholas Corsellis bought the estate for £7,200, and his family stayed for six generations before in 1835 the estate was sold to Quintin Dick, MP for Maldon. By 1884, during the Great Earthquake, the Peache family owned Layer Marney, which was damaged to such an extent that, as a contemporary report described, ‘the outlay needed to restore the tower to anything like a sound and habitable condition would be so large that the chance of the work ever being done appears remote indeed’. Nevertheless, repair work commenced at the hands of Alfred Peache who reroofed the gatehouse and built up a handsome garden. Later, James Peache added bathrooms, electricity, and central heating.
In 1901, the stockbroker Walter de Zoete bought the house and continued its modernisation, employing 13 domestic staff there and living it up through the Edwardian period. De Zoete extended the gardens and built a folly, converting the stables into a gallery to house his furniture and art collections. When he lost money out in the Japanese stock market crash, Layer Marney was sold to the Campbell family. In 1959 the house was put up for sale again and on a romantic whim Gerald and Susan Charrington, who had been married in the church at Layer Marney, bought the house. Their family have lived there ever since.
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