Lyddington Bede House

The next on the list of the most beautiful historical sites in Rutland is Lyddington Bede House. The current Grade I listed structure, which is located next to St. Andrew's Church in the village of Lyddington, was once a portion of the Bishops of Lincoln's residence. The boundary walls are Grade II, and the watch tower or gazebo is designated separately as Grade I. A scheduled ancient monument is located there.

The greatest bishopric in England throughout the Middle Ages was the Diocese of Lincoln, which stretched from the Thames River to the Humber Estuary. The estate in Lyddington was a convenient halt for the bishop's entourage as they traveled the diocese because Lyddington was located on a north-south thoroughfare.

Following the Reformation, the Cecil family acquired ownership and turned it into a private residence. It was acquired by Thomas Cecil, 1st Earl of Exeter, son of Lord Burghley, in 1600, and he turned it into an almshouse for twelve destitute bedesmen. This use persisted up until 1930. The Great Chamber, once home to the bishops, is notable for its exquisitely carved cornice on the ceiling.

Location: Blue Coat Lane, Lyddington, Leicester LE15 9LZ, Rutland, England