This incomplete Grade I red-brick Tudor Palace was built by Henry, First Lord Marney, Henry VIII's Lord Privy and has stories to tell from nearly 500 years of history. It is known that Henry VIII came to stay, suspected that Elizabeth I dropped by for a brief rest and had a glorious Edwardian period.

The range of buildings is about 300 feet long, with the tower stretching 80 feet high. Layer Marney Tower is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in the country. Although it has had many owners, it has always been a family home - each family rich enough to live there but not rich enough to change it. The house has a lovely garden and close by, the church stands with the tombs of the Marney Family. The wooden Essex Barn predates the house.

There are two exhibitions in the tower, Crowns and Crests from Knights of the Garter 1953 -2003 and Pictures from East Anglian Artists from the Victor Batte Laye Trust.

The tour will be from one end of the building to the other, going through the private parts of the family home as well as some of the larger rooms not open to the general visitor. It is mainly on the ground and first floor and follows a different route to any other tours.

House full of Christmas decorations, tour includes mulled wine and nibbles.

What our visitors say:

• We had a wonderful visit to Layer Marney yesterday. The day went very well - including the weather! Sheila Charrington gave us an excellent guided tour which everyone was talking about on the way home.
•  Although technically intruding into a private house we were made most welcome. They passed on their enthusiasm to us and all of a sudden it was 5 o’clock.
• Even though the weather was not good, everyone had a brilliant time!! Our guided tour was the best ever (and we have been around, ha!ha!) and everyone loved the house and tower.