Religious disputes, gunpowder, treason and plot, turbines… and running – Go Beyond is coming to Lyvden New Bield

Just over a decade ago, one of Northamptonshire’s best loved views was under threat.

Plans to build four wind turbines within a mile of Grade 1 listed Lyvden New Bield were eventually scuppered with the planning inspector dismissing them as an “alien and incongruous feature”.

It’s hard to imagine the impact those giant turbines would have had on a site celebrated for its tranquil moats, viewing terraces and Elizabethan orchard.

Fortunately, the application was turned down and eventually the National Trust set out to renovate the 17th century manor house.

Now, that view will be part of the backdrop to our newest event, the Brigstock Dirt Run. Set to take place on Sunday, February 23, the race is part two of our Dirt Run Series, which kicks off with our traditional Irchester Dirt Run this weekend.

The Brigstock Dirt Run is the new sister run of our popular Irchester event

Nestled in the rolling countryside near Oundle, Sir Thomas Tresham designed Lyveden to be a symbol of his Catholic faith, at a time when such beliefs were prosecuted. It was an act of quiet and creative rebellion.

Work on the building was stopped by Sir Thomas’ death in 1605, and it has remained virtually unaltered since then.

Featuring an enigmatic garden lodge covered in religious symbols, which have remained largely unexplained to his day, Lyveden also tells the story of how the Tresham family became embroiled in the Gunpowder Plot.

Following Sir Thomas’ death, his oldest son – Francis – inherited the estate at Lyvden, but his role in the plans to blow up Parliament saw him die in December 1605 after being imprisoned. Lyveden passed to his feckless younger brother Lewis, who racked up a heap of debt.

Lewis’s son William, who died childless in 1643, was the last of the main line of the Treshams. Lyveden may have been inherited by a junior line, but it had been sold by 1668.

Its combination of history and serene, timeless beauty makes the estate a Northamptonshire must visit, and our runners will experience an enchanting landscape, with sweeping views that showcase this hidden gem in all its glory.

With 7.5 or 15km options, we hope the Brigstock Dirt Run will prove to be a unique and wonderfully local race. You can sign-up to take part safe in the knowledge you’ll be enjoying a turbine-free version of Sir Thomas’ vision.

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