The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications

 

Branch Visit

Rushton Triangular Lodge

Northamptonshire

(improbably located between Kettering and Corby)

 

Saturday 24 September 2005

 

IMA members and friends are invited to attend an informal visit

to Rushton Lodge and to meet other IMA members.

 

 

Meet for tour and talk, 11.00am

 (Lodge opens 10.00am- 5.00pm, http://www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/notable%20houses/rushton%20lodge.htm)

 

The Triangular Lodge at Rushton is a sensationally strange little building– “ Little known in Britain, let alone lauded as one of our wonders, in my book it should rate as one of the world’s seven wonders.” (Lucinda Lambton, Guardian, 3 April 2005). Built in the 1590s by Sir Thomas Tresham, everything about the building revolves around the number three.  The bizarre lodge has three 33 foot sides, three storeys, three gables on each side. In addition  the exterior is littered with trefoil windows, three to a row, and the central chimney has, inevitably, three sides. All this hints at the Trinity, but Tresham himself also comes into it – “Tresham spent 15 years either in prison or in confinement for his beliefs. Thank the Lord they inspired this beautiful building. Its quality and rarity deserve worldwide fame.”

 

Rushton Lodge is located 1 mile west of Rushton on an unclassified road, 3 miles from Desborough on the A6 (follow usual local brown and white signs). Note – parking is limited and no toilet facilities. Rushton is an English Heritage property, entry is free to members otherwise £2.30.

 

For those also wishing to explore nearby properties:  

Local Tea Room (refreshments) – Old Fire Station, School Lane, Rothwell

 

Lyveden New Bield (also built by Tresham) – A National Trust property

(http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/lyvedennewbield/  £3.50 non NT members)

Kirby Hall (parterre garden and peacocks) – English Heritage property

            (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/  - £4.30 non NH members)

Rockingham Castle (privately owned)

            (http://www.rockinghamcastle.com/ £7.50 or £4.50 grounds only)

 

The visit is coordinated by East Midlands Branch Secretary, Dr Stephen Hibberd, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, email: stephen.hibberd@nottingham.ac.uk.

Details of East Midlands Branch activities: http://www.ima.org.uk/EMidBranch/ima.html