Markenfield Hall, the Gate House

Slide 1 – Doubtless there was once a fitting approach to Markenfield, but at present it lies, hidden from sight, a good mile off the Harrogate and Ripon main road, amidst pleasant meadows, and one wanders up and down amid amaze of gates and sheep folds, till we emerge on the corner of the moat once scarce knows how. It is doubtless from the fact of its being so isolated, and far removed from the busy haunts of men, that it has escaped demolition or any great change to the present day. It is the finest example of a knightly family’s 14th century Manor –House in the northern counties. The site was not a commanding one, but it was well defended by a moat, broad and steep, which still holds water. Across the stone bridge which has replaced the old drawbridge stands the Gate-house.