John Lewyn

John Lewyn (fl. early 1360s-c.1400) was an English master mason of the late 14th century. He was considered the pre-eminent master mason of that time in the north of England. He is regarded as one of the three leading masons of the Perpendicular style in the later 14th century, along with Henry Yevele in the south-east and William Wynford in the south-west. Notable works by Lewyn include Bolton Castle, the gatehouse at Carlisle Castle, the kitchen at Durham Cathedral and probably the keep at Warkworth Castle.

Life and career

Lewyn's early life is unknown, though as he first appears in records in 1353 as a mason of Durham Priory, he was likely born some time before the mid-14th century. However, a 'John Lewy' who may be the same person is documented at Westminster in 1351 and Windsor in the 1360s. By 1368 he was recorded as "the bishop [of Durham]'s mason," and received grants of land from Bishop Hatfield. The Perpendicular style of the Court appeared in the far north with the erection of the Neville Screen, designed by Henry Yevele and shipped from London, in the 1370s. , mural chambers and winding staircases, in vogue in the 14th century, especially Bolton and Warkworth. At Bolton, this allowed for the castle to be occupied by no fewer than eight households at once, in Patrick Faulkner's interpretation. At Warkworth, meanwhile, complex planning allowed all the elements of a normal manor house to be compressed into a cruciform tower, with a clear separation between the service and domestic sides. In general form as well as detail, Warkworth is something of an outlier, featuring polygonal turrets and nearly-triangular arches. It is possible that these were derived from John of Gaunt's new buildings at Kenilworth Castle, which used similar forms. Durham Cathedral-Priory - Bishop Hatfield's tomb and throne Hylton Castle - John Goodall believes this to have the same designer as Lumley Lumley Castle (1389) Melrose Abbey (after 1389) - east end, tentatively suggested by Harvey Raby Castle - especially the kitchen, with a vault like that of Durham Sheriff Hutton Castle - now reduced to shattered fragments Warkworth Castle (possibly 1390s, though historians' suggested dates have varied wildly) - keep. This is now generally accepted as Lewyn's work. Wressle Castle (1390s) - only one range and two towers survive of the quadrangular building