Lyddington Bede House

Lyddington Bede House
Exterior view of the Almshouse. Fomerly the medieval palace of the Bishops of Lincoln (c) English Heritage
Lyddington Bede House -   Exterior view of the Almshouse. Fomerly the medieval palace of the Bishops of Lincoln (c) Lyddington Bede House -   Exterior (c)

Set beside the church of a picturesque ironstone village, Lyddington Bede House originated as the late medieval wing of a palace belonging to the Bishops of Lincoln. By 1600 it had passed to Sir Thomas Cecil, son of Queen Elizabeth's chief minister, who converted it into an almshouse for twelve poor 'bedesmen'over 30 years old and two women (over 45), all free of lunacy, leprosy or the French pox. Visitors can wander through the bedesmen's rooms, with their tiny windows and fireplaces, and view the former bishops' Great Chamber with its beautifully carved ceiling cornice.

There is a small herb garden.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-1 Nov 10am-5pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.90 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.20 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£2.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.10 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.30 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.60 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £9.80 until 31 Mar 2010 / £10.50 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
Rutland - LE15 9LZ
Road Access:
In Lyddington, 6 miles N of Corby; 1 mile E of A6003, next to thechurch
Train Access:
Oakham 7 miles
Bus Access:
Rutland Flyer 1 Corby - Oakham (passes close to Oakham railwaystation)
Map Location:
Telephone:
01572 822438

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Suitable for people with disabilities Guidebooks No dogs allowed Shop Picnic area Hazardous Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders
Access:
Disabled access (ground floor only)

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
As there is no parking on site, please use the village car park.
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
1 hour.
Guided Tours:

Guided Tour of Site
The tour looks at the history of Lyddington Bede House and also includes a walk to the earthworks of the medieval fishponds.

Duration: 1 hour

Minimum – maximum pax: 11-30

Advance booking required: Yes - 4 weeks

Call for prices and to book: 01572 822438

Further Info

Disabled access (ground floor only).