Markenfield Hall: The Loveliest Place You’ve Never Heard Of

A medieval, 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 few moated, medieval manor houses that its original owners could still recognise; indeed, the Hall is instantly recognisable thanks to its crenellated silhouette reflected in its encircling moat.

Dating back to the eleventh century, Markenfield has a bloody history, falling victim to the religious and political turbulence during The Rising of the North. Markenfield suffered a tragic downfall, which saw it confiscated from its owner, Thomas Markenfield. Later granted to the First Baron of Markenfield, a title still held by the family today, this stunning building tells a fascinating tale.

This short blog and gallery of images have been assembled specifically to accompany a podcast episode in The Tudor History & Travel Show. Our guide, Kate Mainprize, joins me to show us around Markenfield Hall. Along the way, she shares its history and allows us to reimagine how it looked during the sixteenth century. Tune in here to listen with the following images at hand.

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Markenfield Hall: The Exterior

Bridge and gatehouse
*Image: author’s own*

Shields carved on West Cottage
*Image: author’s own*

Markenfield Hall: The Interior

The Gatehouse is used as office today but was once an old dovecote (niches can be seen in the far wall on the right)
*Image: author’s own*

The Chapel

Chapel looking back to the great hall
*Image: author’s own*

Portrait of Richard Norton of nearby Norton Conyers Hall
*Image: author’s own*

The Chapel, looking towards the altar
*Image: author’s own*

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