Posted on June 12, 2010 - by admin

The three strikes of Bedfordshire

Being a huge nerd for ancient architecture, I travel around the World quite a lot looking for new things to enjoy. But there are three buildings that make me the delight of Bedfordshire hotels and hotel managers, because I’ve returned there a few times to see and study them again.

You might not have guessed, but these are Bedford Castle, the de Grey Mausoleum and Someries Castle.

Bedford Castle’s history dates back as far as the 900’s. It was once an impressive, nearly impregnable fortress that was eventually brought down by King Henry III as punishment for its Lord’s wrongdoing. The archeological works around it are impressive, and allow us to have a good idea of how the castle looked like in its prime.

Someries castle, which isn’t a proper castle but a fortified manor house, is another ruin in the county, this one built in the 15th century. It is one of the first brick buildings in England and it has never quite been finished, and it’s an absolute delight to look at what remains of it and try to make out what the original plans for it were.

Finally, there’s the de Grey Mausoleum. It’s beautifully integrated in its surroundings and in the nearby church, making it a prime example of complementary architecture.