Page 23 - Oundle Life July 2021

could have been removed (in a reusable condition) from the New Bield some 50+ years after installation if there was no roof to keep the elements out for half a century.
Researching and writing these articles is a journey of discovery. I typically start with a building-related question and finish up with a new-found understanding for those involved in the building’s creation. Lyveden is no exception.
What light the designs for Lyveden must have brought to Tresham’s mind in his darkest moments in prison. What strength Tresham must have drawn by proving that even imprisonment could not restrict his freedom to express his Catholic faith in built form.
I now wonder if the only ‘bits’ that remained unfinished at his death were the ‘blank’ shields around the base of the building which are still waiting for cyphers or symbols to be carved into them. Interestingly, the Triangular Lodge at Rushton also has a few – but not many – blank shields still waiting to be carved so we might infer that both buildings remained works-in- progress at his death.
I think Sir Thomas Tresham was in many ways a winner, and I think history should be written to acknowledge that. I also think it suited the state back then to write him up as a destitute loser who didn’t finish his work – underpinning their rhetoric that the time for Catholicism in England had passed.
From the Editor: Unfortunately Lyveden is closed at the present time, so keep an eye on the website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyveden for updates. The National Trust does essential work to protect our heritage at their properties. Please support them where and when you can.
Lyveden must surely have been roofed
Joe Croser, first studied architecture in Oxford, and later completed postgrad research into historic buildings in Cambridge. Today he leads Oundle Architecture with a particular
focus on residential design and historic building conservation and refurbishment. www.oundlearchitecture.com
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