LONGTHORPE TOWER

One of Europe's most comprehensive and significant collections of wall paintings from 14th-century homes can be found at Longthorpe Tower in northern Europe. King David, Wheel of Life, and Nativity are the topics covered in this diverse "spiritual encyclopaedia" of religious and worldly subjects.

Located in northern Europe, Longthorpe Tower has one of the most comprehensive collections of fourteenth-century paintings. The remaining piece of a fortified manor house from the 14th century, “the stone tower,” was constructed between 1290 and 1300. It holds considerable value because of the magnificent wall paintings in the first floor's main room.

They were added around 1330 and ranked among northern Europe's most outstanding mediaeval residential wall painting examples.King David, the Wheel of Life, and the Nativity are among the subjects covered in this wide-ranging encyclopaedia of spiritual subjects. From saints and knights to musicians and kings, richly decorated scenes depict people from all walks of life.

It was English Heritage's responsibility to care for Longthorpe Tower, but it now falls into the hands of the Nene Park Trust (formerly Vivacity) to manage the day-to-day operations of Longthorpe Tower's visitor centre. 

Location: Thorpe Rd, Peterborough PE3 6LU, UK

Timing: Saturday - Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Birmingham

Highlights

• At Longthorpe Tower in northern Europe, you can find one of Europe's most comprehensive collections of fourteenth-century paintings.
• A mythological beast is armed with projectile flaming excrement in these paintings, as well as kings, musicians, saints, and animals.
• The paintings combine secular and religious subjects and give a vivid view of the mediaeval mentality. King David's story, the birth of Christ, and the wheel of life are some of the recognizable themes.
• English Heritage is still responsible for maintaining Longthorpe Tower. However, the trust Nene Park took over the day-to-day administration of visitor traffic in 2021 from Vivacity.