Stocky, square, and maybe a little intimidating, the Cage sits atop a hill in the Lyme Park estate. From its prominent position, it offers amazing views of the Saddleworth hills and the Cheshire Plain - not to mention Lyme's 1400 acres of historic parkland. On a clear day, the Cage can be seen all the way from Manchester.
The original Cage was first built in 1524, either as a hunting lodge or a watchtower. Its name comes from its use in the 1600s as a holding prison for poachers awaiting trial. But the current building - with its ashlar sandstone and its staid architectural features - was constructed in the 18th century as part of more extensive work on the Lyme estate. Since then, the Cage has been a stalwart and unchanging feature in the surrounding wild landscape.
This design shows the Cage at dawn, its facade orange in the early light, a crescent moon still hung in the grey-blue sky. And to the left, a deer's silhouette: originally a deer park, Lyme is still home to hundreds of red deer, and even some Highland cattle. Go on, indulge yourself - a beautiful morning scene like this would brighten any kitchen!
