Oculion completed
oculion: a word to describe an open-arched pavilion with an oculus
Co-designed with John Esling, the oculion will take over 2 years to fully realise. However, the first willows have been planted this week. Two sculptural benches are now being worked on to go in the centre which will allow two people to stare through the oculus together.
Project collaborators: John Esling, Pauline and Matthew Bickerton.
Photography and images created by John Esling from hedgery-gardens.co.uk
Our thanks to John for not only being a delight to co-create with but for transforming into being a lovely new friend together with his magical wife Rachael.
New theories about the Lodge
Philip Aiken's report is now fully on-line and proposes the idea that the roof was four gabled and possibly supported a lantern - a room with glass on all sides. With the price of glass being astronomical in 1472, this would have made Letheringham Lodge a truly outstanding building. To read the report, just visit the History Section and click on 'what the historians say'.
Hedges laid by an expert
We are delighted with the stunning work of our friend John Esling who has laid all the hedges to the south of the Lodge. More can be found on his website: www.hedgery-gardens.co.uk
He is currently creating an Oculion as a 5 year collaborative project with us. More to follow ...
Our new aerial photographs have arrived today!!
We are delighted with the latest aerial photographs of the Lodge. Taken last Tuesday, on the 9th December, the sun was shining and the view over the Lodge could not have been better.
New theories about the Lodge!
Our exciting news is that Philip Aitkens, the celebrated historian and his brilliant research team have uncovered a new theory about the medieval roots of the Lodge. He is currently measuring and documenting the beams in the roof to present a new concept of what the original Lodge roof might have looked like. This is a key mystery about the Lodge and the fact that evidence remains, to piece together, is extremely encouraging. There is also a theory as to where the original entrance was and where the staircase was placed. If irrefutable and evidence-based, it will mean a total re-thinking of how the Lodge was originally used in 1472.
Invitation to View
We are delighted to have been invited to join 'Invitation to view'. We are working out dates for June and July so please watch this space. We are hoping to pick the great minds of other members on the 23rd October at Otley Manor so that we can offer people a truly rewarding and exciting tour! We shall also be inviting our lovely historian friends Edward and Joanna Martin if they would like to present the tours, dates allowing.
For more information about this brilliant endeavour, please see: www.invitationtoview.co.uk
Swans enjoying the mild autumn
The gentle autumn weather is relaxing the swans and they often sit looking out like this.
The Letheringham Miniature Regatta
Yes, you did read that correctly! Plans are afoot to launch a miniature regatta at Letheringham Lodge. In Spring/Summer 2015, we will be inviting you to join us to race remote-controlled boats around the moat. We will be providing all the boats with safety officers on standby for net rescues and all funds will be donated to a local charity. Nautical dress is optional but highly recommended (straw boaters will be provided too!). You will also be warmly welcomed to bring your own remote-controlled boat for an open race at the end. If you would like to put yourself forward as a steward, please don't hesitate to contact us - there are handsome rewards for those who volunteer including a great deal of bubbly!
The swans are starting to practise now!!