MARKENFIELD HALL AND  THE RISING OF THE NORTH SURELY one of the most romantic houses left in England! This is the thought that first strikes the mind of the pilgrim who is fortunate enough to discover Markenfield Hall. And if as he gazes upon this grey pile of buildings already “an ancient house” in the days of Elizabeth he is able to recall the stirring story of its past, he is thrilled yet more with the sense of its romance. This splendid old pile, built in purest fourteenth-century Gothic of the time of the Third Edward, enlarged by its lords in the two following centuries, but happily untouched since then, stands as a monument of heroic deeds and knightly prowess. From its stately gateway mail-clad warriors passed forth to fight at Agincourt and Flodden, and in less happy days it was here that faithful hearts planned the desperate attempt to rise in arms for “God, Our Lady and the Catholic Faith,” against the persecuting violence of heretical power. The great court-yard, now so peaceful and deserted, was once filled with armed men, each with a crucifix hanging on his breast, and a red cross upon his arm, grouped beneath the banner of the Five Wounds of Christ... Written by Dom Bede Camm in 1910 as part of his book Forgotten Shrines, this work recounts the Rising of the North and the downfall of the once-great Markenfield family.

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. Todays course includes:

• Assessment of individual stress and anxiety levels
• Physical responses to stress
• Coping with stress
• Changing unhelpful thinking patterns
• Mindfulness for stress and anxiety
• An introduction to different counselling and therapy approaches
• Guided meditation practice

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.

Although the Markenfields had a beautiful domestic Chapel in the heart of the house – which is still very active, and to which all are welcome – at an early stage they established their own chantry chapel dedicated to St Andrew on the East side of the North transept of Ripon Cathedral, where two mediaeval monuments to two notable members of the family remain: both Sir Thomas Markenfields, one (d. 1398) the great-great-grandfather of the other (d.1497). They are all that is left of what must have been, before the reformation, a very fine place of worship and family. mausoleum. Mass would have been said here daily for the souls of the family departed, by the resident chantry priest. It is probable that this was the same priest who also said Mass daily in the Chapel at Markenfield itself and that he commuted between his two Chapels every day. Those familiar with Yorkshire weather and muddy tracks will know this would not always have been a pleasure...

The historian and author posits Henry VIII as the ultimate break-away leader, citing his strength when he used Parliamentary Sovereignty to break England away from the Catholic Church. Drawing fascinating parallels – including those between Nigel Farage and Henry himself – this fascinating talk covers promises of rediscovered national identity, democracy and how the Henry VIII Clause could ultimately be used to allow Britain to leave the EU.

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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. This course includes:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Brain areas involved in mindfulness meditation
• Buddhism and its relationship to mindfulness
• Gratitude and its relationship to mental well being
• Perception and thinking styles
• Acceptance as a strategy for peace of mind
• Guided meditation practice

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.

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.

Just as it sounds, A Tour & A Tea is a guided tour of the Hall by one of our highly knowledgeable guides, followed by a delicious Afternoon Tea lovingly prepared by Elizabeth Dennison of The Dusty Miller. The tour will begin at 2:00pm, and will be followed by Afternoon Tea at 3:30pm. We can happily cater for vegetarian diets, but apologise that we cannot cater for food allergies (eg nuts). Please telephone 01765 692303 to discuss individual requirements.