The Round House
Sometimes it seems strange how hard it is to find out about a building... I know it is called the Round House (though I know it isn't round). I'm told it gets its name from the chimney. It is a Grade 2 listed building, considered at risk (I think you'll be able to see why). It was formerly known as Brogborough Park Farmhouse.
According to its listing, it dates from the 17th Century and was occupied (though not necessarily built) by Col. John Okey in the 1650's. John Okey (1606–1662) was a soldier and Member of Parliament, and one of the regicides of King Charles 1. He was subsequently hung drawn and quartered for his part in the signing of the death warrant. The house was reworked in the 19th Century. These included deep bracketed eaves, which the supports for are still visible. The house had a central multiple chimney stack with 8 linked octagonal shafts with moulded bases and caps. There are more recent, 20th Century lean-to additions to ground floor. There were also a range of 19th Century outbuildings. Apparently, the interior was rather plain.
Pre-fire: Early 1900's.
The house was gutted by fire in August 1993. All that remains are ruins of the shell. Please don't enter the ruins, they are dangerous.
Post fire: May 2015
Some excellent photos of the ruins from 2010 can be seen at http://www.urbexforums.com/showthread.php/7791-Brogborough-Manor-Bedfordshire-REPORT-5-4-10?s=17ff693b2823ca0a5cbbe283c9db8c55
Nearby are much mutilated earthworks which are the remains of an early medieval ringwork and are interpreted as the site of Rugemont Castle, stronghold of the de Greys.
I've also heard that Charles 1 was executed here (clearly untrue, but I can see where that one came from).
I've also heard that two women lived here and that one of them was mad (probably untrue, but some of the window frames do have bars on the inside...).
I've also heard there were no roads up to the house, so those that lived there were unable to get food. (erm, perhaps they survived on foraging on Geocachers).
The cache is a small pot. It contains a log. There is room for small trackables. You will need to bring your own writing implement, but you are a geocacher, so you should have one. Feel free to leave trackables, SWAG or rumours!
Congratulations to hobsandems on being First To Find.