Someries Castle — Attraction in Hyde

What a fascinating place to visit, a building that time forgot .This virtually inaccessible brick built castle is a delight because it is the one of the least commercial historical attractions that I have ever visited with a rich history. Because it is relatively unknown and only accessible off the Lower Luton Road it is very easy to miss, with only one innocuous sign. Visitors drive up a narrow one track road under two massive Victorian railway bridges and proceed for about a mile before turning left onto an unmade farm track ending up as a dead end. The whole area is enigmatic, run down rusting farm and agricultural machinery with spoil on the banks, redundant farm buildings, some small working farms,and numerous parked HGV and commercial vehicles everywhere. Suddenly amidst this chaos you are confronted with this small charming brick built castle,the only one still in existence built in the mid fifteenth century by King Henry V1 wife’s chamberlain John Wenlock who is still reputed to haunt the castle killed in the battle of Agincourt. Central Bedfordshire Council are responsible for looking after this Scheduled Monument. Access is through gates that are closed at 9pm. You are confronted by a fascinating brick built castle gate house with two turrets built of red and grey brick with some interesting design features. There are the remnants of a staircase and several charming doorways and small courtyards. The whole place feels unadopted and forgotten, and this just adds to the visitor experience, and all this within five hundred metres of the peripheral fence of Luton airports runway! Make sure your vehicle has good suspension and it will need a good wash when...

It was built in the 15th century by Sir John Wenlock. The name of "Someries Castle" was derived from William de Someries (or Somerys), who had a residence on this site, but the title "castle" is contentious since it hardly describes the structure to which it is applied. The house is regarded as one of the first brick buildings in England. The brickwork can still be seen in the remains of the gatehouse, incorporating the chapel and lodge, which still stands today. From Peter's Green take the lane straight ahead towards Someries Farm. Go slowly and mind the potholes! You will see the Castle ruins to the left just before the farmhouse. There is plenty of room for parking; just make sure to leave room for farm vehicles. Free parking. There are...

The castles name is derived from William de Someries who had a residence on this site. The site was acquired by Sir John Wenlock and in 1430 building commenced on the site, it is described as one of the earliest brick buildings in England but by this date there were at least 100 other such brick buildings. It is a fortified manor house rather than a castle but it was never fully completed as Wenlock was killed at the battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, his ghost is said to haunt the castle. It was partly demolished in the 18th century although the gatehouse incorporating the chapel and lodge still stands, bricks from the site have been reused in the nearby farm buildings. Very bumpy ride to see it and off the beaten track but worth a visit for...