A Mediaeval, moated and much-loved family home – Markenfield Hall is a historic house unlike any other. Set within stunning Yorkshire countryside south of Ripon, medieval Markenfield has remained largely untouched, and is one of a handful of moated, medieval manor houses that could still be recognised by their original owners; indeed the Hall is instantly recognisable thanks to its crenelated silhouette reflected in its encircling moat, which was patrolled by two Black Swans until 2019 when we discovered we had acquired an Otter… Despite its bloody history, the Hall exudes a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere and, although only open generally for short periods of time, there are opportunities to visit throughout the year- either individually or as a group – for talks, tours and teas; and we have been told that we serve exceedingly good homemade cakes! We are proud to be a member of the Historic Houses Association.
This December...
Welcome to Markenfield Hall
A very personal welcome to a much-loved family home
“It is an extraordinary privilege to live in the most unspoiled surviving early fourteenth century house in all England, and to be able to welcome you to it. Markenfield Hall is truly a special place.
“Although we have tried to make it interesting by notices and explanations here and there, most of all it is our private home. That is why you will occasionally encounter family muddle, dogs and sometimes grandchildren racing about. It is supposed to be the most continuously inhabited house in the country, but we’re not sure if that is true.
“It is a place with an extraordinary history, beginning with its entry in Domesday Book (1086) and continuing to the present day, sometimes peacefully, sometimes in considerable strife. It is now being gradually restored to something of the status and dignity for which it was built.
“It has had its fair share of unhappiness over the centuries and yet it has an extraordinary atmosphere: peaceful and benign. Visitors often remark on that. We hope, when you visit, that you take away some of that peace with you.”