Embarking on the quest to describe the area where I live by its “treasures”, it was always going to be a toss-up which treasure I would choose first. In the end, the weather played a part. During the early part of the day when it was raining I decided to paint the utility room. When it stopped raining however and showed signs of clearing up for a few hours, I hopped in the car and drove over to Rushton (20 mins away) to visit the Triangular Lodge now owned and maintained by English Heritage.

This building, constructed between 1594-6 is a unique testament to Thomas Tresham‘s Roman Catholic faith. The number 3, symbolising the Holy Trinity, is evident everywhere you look  and makes this strange and unusual triangular building a fascinating treasure.

As well as symbolising the Holy Trinity, the Lodge is decorated with the Tresham Family coat of arms featuring a group of trefoils. The number 3 taking pride of place yet again.

The middle gable on each side of the building  features a sundial but the other gables are decorated with religious symbols such as the seven-branched candlestick. The floors are 33 feet long a reference to Christ was 33 years old when he was crucified.

The views from the South-East front look out over extensive fields of rape towards Rushton Hall the main house on the estate.

Altogether a fascinating historical building with overriding religious connotations and whilst it doesn’t take long to view the external and internal features, the background information makes interesting reading.