Layer Marney Tower, Essex

Built in the early part of Henry VIII’s reign, Layer Marney Tower is in many ways the apotheosis of the Tudor Gatehouse. The building is largely the creation of Henry 1st Lord Marney, who died in 1523, and his son John, who continued the building work until he died two years later, leaving no male heir to continue the family line or the construction. Between them they built the main range, the principal gatehouse, an array of outbuildings, and a new church.

The buildings were badly damaged by the Great English Earthquake of 1884. Repairs were begun, by brother and sister Alfred and Kezia Peache, who re-floored and re-roofed the gatehouse, as well as creating the garden to the south of the Tower.

Walter de Zoete, the next owner continued with the restoration, and also enlarged the gardens, built a folly known as the Tea House, and converted the stables into a Long Gallery to house his collection of furniture, paintings and objets d’arts. As a result the interior owes more to the aesthetic of Walter de Zoete than to the Marneys.

The house came to the present owners, the Charringtons, in 1959 and has been occupied by the Charrington family ever since.

The tower and gardens are open to the public from March to October and the tower is also available for wedding ceremonies and receptions and conferences.

Opening Times

April, May, June & September:
Sundays & Wednesdays
12 noon – 5pm

July & August: Sunday to Thursday: 12 noon – 5pm

Fridays & Saturdays: Closed
October to March: Closed

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Ticket Prices

Adults £6.00
Children £4.00
Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £18.00
Guided Tour (minimum charge £200)
Group entry £5.00 each

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01206 330 784

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