Join us for a guided tour of the Hall – with a difference – and with guides Keith Jones and Allan Foster. Former Senior Guide at nearby Fountains Abbey (and retired lecturer on Astrophysics) Dr Keith Jones will introduce the long and varied history of Markenfield, the Markenfield and Grantley families, and how these two families shaped the history of this most-special of family homes. Long-term Tenant Farmer, Allan was born and grew up living in the Hall before moving across the Courtyard to the newly-converted Farmhouse Wing in the 1960s. No-one can tell a tale like Allan, so come along and discover what it was like growing up in one of the oldest, continuously inhabited houses in England and his stories of life on the farm and of living in the post-War Hall.

"Six years ago, the then Chairman of the Friends of Markenfield, asked if someone would do a write-up of the Grantley window. Both Bill Forster and Diana Balmforth, had already written about it, in their booklets about the Cathedral windows. – I said, if it was to be done again, it should be done in depth. I didn’t realise, what I was letting myself in for..." Dr Brian Crosse. Many of the Markenfields were buried in the north transept of Ripon Minster. Members of the Norton family, have been buried in many places around Ripon, and family members are commemorated at five places in the Cathedral. In the north aisle, the second window from the east (near the pulpit) is a fine heraldic window. This dates from 1840, and was commissioned by another Fletcher Norton, the third Lord Grantley of Markenfield. The window’s artist was Thomas Willement, who was heraldic artist to George IV, and artist in stained glass to Queen Victoria. His monogram, TW, can be seen in the bottom right-hand corner of the window. Almost uniquely within the Cathedral, this window has no religious content. Instead, it is ‘a celebration of dynastic splendour’. Such windows were quite the norm in the 18th century, when almost all the windows here, were heraldic. Willement was also responsible, for some of the heraldic glass, displayed in the east window of the Cathedral Library...

Peace of Mind through Mindfulness Markenfield has long been known for its benign and peaceful atmosphere, and this year we are tapping into it by hosting four interactive courses centred around strategies that anyone can use on a daily basis to reduce the impact of stress and anxiety, leading to a more peaceful life. The courses are aimed at any adult interested in their own well-being and are open to anyone 18 years of age or over. People can take all four courses or can choose individual courses they feel are more appropriate for them.  The courses are situated in the tranquil and nurturing environment of Markenfield Hall.  Lunch and drinks are provided within the cost of the courses. Please individual course listings for course content. PLEASE NOTE Vegetarian options for lunch will be available.  We regret that we are unable to cater for food allergies and special dietary requirements but you are welcome to bring your own lunch and drinks if you wish.  We are unable to offer a discount for participants who bring their own refreshments. BOOKING CONDITIONS We reserve the right to cancel courses if necessary.  If courses need to be cancelled a full refund will be given. We reserve the right to close booking for courses when places have been filled. Courses must be paid for in full on booking and places must be booked at least 14 days before the course date. We are unable to offer any refunds in the event of participants cancelling their places.