The Marney family had lived at Layer Marney for about 350 years before Henry, 1st Lord Marney, started building Layer Marney Tower in 1515. He died in 1523, the work was continued by his son John for two more years. His premature death stopped the project, leaving the courtyard unfinished. What stands today is the magnificent Gatehouse with East and West wings, the Long Gallery and Medieval Barn.