New Bield 400 Years Old!

2005 marks the anniversary of two historical events which led to the building of Lyveden being abandoned in 1605.

400 years ago, Sir Thomas Tresham died. A devout Catholic, he had spent 15 of the last 25 years of his life either in prison or under house arrest. His son Francis inherited Lyveden and continued the Catholic faith with renewed passion. However, he became embroiled in the Gunoowder Plot along with his cousins Robert Catesby, John Grant and the Wintour brothers, not forgetting the infamous Guy Fawkes.

Tresham died in the Tower of London on 23 December 1605 and his head surmounted on the gates of Northampton town. By the end of 1605, work at Lyveden had been abandoned, and that is how it remains today - exactly 400 years later.

To commemorate 400 years of Lyveden we have a programme of events combining plays, tours, music and period re-enactment. We hope you can join in our celebrations during 2005.

Children FREE!

Children are now FREE at Lyveden New Bield. Throughout 2005 there is no admission charge for children. And of course if you join the National Trust then everybody can go free.

New Facilities

Improvements have bee made to the toilet facilities at Lyveden, with a new disabled toilet and baby changing facility.

New Guides

A 24 page full colour guidebook is now available, detailing all about Lyveden, Sir Thomas Tresham, the Gunpowder Plot and the restoration of the garden. We also have a new 'Short Guide' of the New Bield, which should introduce visitors to all the fascinating history of the property.

"Lyveden NEWS Bield" is a property newsletter produced each year detailing all events and projects at the property. To view the current issue or back issues, click here.

Events

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March 2005 - 11am to 4pm.
Easter Trail Weekend
Fun for the whole family. Discover and learn about Lyveden as you follow our Easter quest with a 400th anniversary theme. Suitable for children of all ages. Wellies and warm clothes recommended!

Children £1.00. Normal admission charges apply.

Sunday 29 & Bank Holiday Monday 30th May 2005 - 11am to 4pm.
Falconry Weekend
Fantastic falconry display in the perfect Elizabethan setting of Lyveden New Bield - a pastime enjoyed for over 400 years. See up-close many wonderful birds of prey.
Flying times may depend on weather conditions.

Free event - normal admission charge.

Thursday 2 June 2005 - 7pm.
Meadows, Apples and Pears
An informative and enlightening tour of Lyveden's new orchard containing over 300 old-English varieties. Learn about Sir Thomas Tresham's plans, the hidden meanings of our old fruit trees and the National Trust's work to preserve our arboricultural heritage. Also discover Lyveden's wildflower meadows and work to restore this conservation landscape.
Booking essential on 01832 205358.

Adults £7.50 includes wine.
Children £5.50 includes soft drink.

Sunday 19 June 2005 - 2 to 4:30pm.
A Musical Afternoon
Rushden Brass Band will perform favorite tunes in the relaxing setting of Lyveden New Bield. Light refreshments served, or why not bring a picnic?
Our Guardianship School will be performing their own composed piece of music during the band's interlude, written especially to commemorate Lyveden's 400th aniversary.

Free event - normal admission charge.

Friday 24 June 2005 - 7:30pm.
Tresham Tour and Tipple
A fscinating evening tour with Property Manager, Mark Bradshw, to discover Lyveden's 400 years of history and mystery. Learn and discover about one of England's oldest pleasure gardens hidden for hundreds of years.
Booking essential on 01832 205358.

Adults £7.50 includes wine.
Children £5.50 includes soft drink.

Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 July 2005 - 11am to 5pm.
Tudor Travellers & Period Players
A wonderful play, brilliant for the whole family, written to celebrate Lyveden's 400th aniversary and performed inside the New Bield.
Spaces limited.
PLUS Lyveden 400 years ago - the cook, wise women, herbalist and craftmen come together to demonstrate life for the lower ranks of Elizabethan society. Loads to discover.

Free event - normal admission charge.

Sunday 10 July 2005 - 2 to 4:30pm.
A Musical Afternoon
As 19 June.

Free event - normal admission charge.

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September 2005 - 11am to 5pm.
The Powder Treason
Living period theatre group of Robert Cecil's Men perform the role of a travelling Elizabethan theatre group highlighting Lyveden's links with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
One not to be missed and brilliant for the whole family.

Free event - normal admission charge.

Saturday 10 September 2005 - 6pm.
Tresham Trail
Retracing Tresham's final steps on the eve of his death 400 years ago. Bring a lantern as we discover Lyveden's past and some ghosts of the mysterious Tresham family!
Booking essential on 01832 205358.

Adults £7.50 includes wine.
Children £5.50 includes soft drink.

Sunday 11 September 2005 - 6pm.
Tresham Trail
Retracing Tresham's final steps on the day work stopped at Lyveden 400 years ago. Bring a lantern as we discover Lyveden's past and some ghosts of the mysterious Tresham family!
Booking essential on 01832 205358.

Adults £7.50 includes wine.
Children £5.50 includes soft drink.

Sunday 30 October 2005 - 1:30 to 6:30pm.
Haunting Halloween at Lyveden
Hugely popular re-enactment of Elizabethan ghostly goings-on, including the pottage cook and cunning wise woman plus haunting stories and ghost walks, illuminated by candlelight.
Why not dress up?
Lanterns welcome, but no torches please.

Normal admission charges apply, with additional £1.00 charge for this event.

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