Someries Castle
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Someries castle (sometimes spelled Summeries castle) is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, in Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom. It was built in the 15th century by Sir John Wenlock. Although always referred to as a castle it was actually a fortified manor house.
Someries castle's name was derived from William de Someries who had a residence on this site. The site was then acquired by Wenlock in 1430 and the mansion was built. The house is unique in that it is regarded as one of the first brick buildings in England. Although the house was never completed by Wenlock, and was partly demolished in the 1700s, the magnificent brickwork can still be seen in the remains of the gatehouse incorporating the chapel and lodge which still stands today.
The castle is now in ruins and all that remains is the gatehouse to the actual manor house and the chapel that was connected to it. The remains of the original manor house are now visible only as earthworks that outline the plot where once the house originally stood. The bricks from the manor house were used to build the nearby farm houses in the 17th century.The author, Joseph Conrad, lived in the neighbouring farmhouse whilst writing the novel Under Western Eyes.
The remaining ruins would be destroyed to make way for an additional runway at nearby Luton Airport if the present expansion plans receive approval.
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