Markenfield Hall

Description

From the first glimpse of the hall from between the farm buildings, to the moment the mediaeval courtyard opens up as visitors pass beneath the Tudor gatehouse, Markenfield never fails to astound.

The earliest part of the house was built circa 1230, with its Undercroft consisting of the three surviving vaulted rooms ground floor rooms on the east side of the house.

This earlier house was bought and enlarged by Canon John de Markenfield, who received the Licence to Crenellate the Hall on 28 February 1310 resulting in the distinctive outline that you see to this day.

The Markenfield family owned the Hall until their fateful involvement in the Rising of the North in 1569. The Rising was quashed and the then owner Sir Thomas Markenfield fled to the Low Countries.

The Hall and its surrounding farmland were confiscated for High Treason and from that day until 1761 the Hall became a tenanted farm with an absentee landlord.

The house was bought – and essentially saved – in 1761 by Fletcher Norton, the first Lord Grantley of Markenfield (a title still held by the family). At a time when it was quite fashionable own a ruin, Norton replaced the roof of the Great Hall ensuring that the house was watertight and structurally sound once more.

In 1980 7th Lord Grantley began the restoration of Markenfield – turning it from a cold and draughty farmhouse in to the much-loved family home that visitors see today.

2012 opening: 6 to 19 May and 17 to 30 June daily, 2pm to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm). Groups all year round by appointment.