Patrick on staircase at Someries Castle, Hyde

Patrick and I went to visit Someries Castle (a 15th century fortified manor house rather than an actual castle) which is ruined. It is just outside Luton in Hyde and Luton Airport is just a couple of fields away. It's noteworthy for being the first brick built building in England (apparently) and also Joseph Conrad lived in the farmhouse next door which appears to be be made of some of the same bricks.

The staircase spirals to nowhere and Patrick and I climbed up and down it a few times, me in my usual clumsy way and he more gazelle like. I took this photo of him from my safe position at the bottom of the stairs!