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Blue Coat Lane, Lyddington, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE15 9LZ
After visiting Kirby Hall, we had a quick look at the English Heritage App, we decided to have a drive to Lyddington Bede House. It was about 15 minutes from Kirby Hall, we just happened to go on the day of a local village fete so parking was a bit harder but we parked on the street and walked back.
We weren’t sure what to expect, or even knew what a Bede House was. The house is next to the local church.
What is a Bede House?
A bedesman was originally someone who received a benefit in exchange for saying prayers for the soul of a donor. In the later medieval period, a bedesman became simply the recipient of charity.
The small chambers used by the inhabitants of the almshouse can be viewed, as can the ornate former Great Chamber used by the Bishops. The most interesting feature in the Great Chamber is the ornate, carved cornice, which is a wonderful example of medieval woodwork.
We took the opportunity to have an introduction to the house from the staff, even the kids stood and listened (what is her secret?). We were then left to explore the Bede House.
