The Friends of Markenfield Hall

The Friends of Markenfield was founded to to Conserve, Protect and Promote the 13th Century moated manor house Markenfield Hall.

We aim to increase public awareness about Markenfield and it’s history, promote study and research into that history and support the conservation, protection and enhancement of Markenfield and its’ artefacts.

Established in 2008 under the presidency of the late, great historian and broadcaster John Julius Norwich, it was founded as a Membership group to develop and deliver fundraising initiatives to support the conservation, protection and promotion of the Hall, its Parkland and other related assets.

As Markenfield is a Grade I listed building located within a Scheduled Ancient Monument, 2 miles South of Ripon.

A view looking up at the stone buildings of Markfield Hall, a medieval manor house, framed by a stone archway in the foreground. The building features a pointed turret, tall Gothic-style windows, and weathered limestone walls covered in places with climbing plants and ivy. A well-kept lawn is visible at the base of the building, and the scene is set against a vivid, cloudless blue sky on a bright summer's day.

The Friends promote and develop lectures, external visits, have created the recent souvenir guide book, a series of single topic booklets ‘Aspects of Markenfield’, tree planting, historical research and fund raising events designed to contribute towards various aspects of the Hall’s running and maintenance costs.

Guest speakers at our AGM, (free to members), have included Lord Norwich, Lord Crathorne, the Bishop of Leeds and renowned broadcaster Ed Stourton.

Annual fund raising events have included, as guest speakers, the explorers Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ray Mears and Colonel John Blashford-Snell.

Membership Details

Annual membership

  • Individual Memnbership £12
  • Joint (2 people at same address); £18 per year.

Payments can be by Direct Debit or Bacs transfer. Details will be sent to on application.

Benefits and Activities

  • Exclusive Events and visits, invitation to AGM which includes a high profile guest speaker. (e.g Author Chloe Dalton April 2026)
  • Newsletters: Regular updates through the Friends exclusive newsletters , covering historical research, restoration news and upcoming events.
  • Meet other Friends over a free glass of wine in the Undercroft before lectures or events in the Great Hall.

How to Join

Email wehaveamoat@gmail.com and mark e mail Friends Membership and our Membership Secretary will be in contact.

Telephone Markenfield Hall on 01765 692303 and leave your contact details.

If visiting Markenfield for a Tour or Event, pick up a Friends of Markenfield leaflet.

Check our Events Section on the website for details and booking for Tours and Events.

The Friends of Markenfield (Parish, Park & Hall) Limited
Registered in England  – Registered No. 07687591

 

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