On the banks of the Ouse (said to offer good barbel fishing here), Beningbrough is a tiny settlement on the York plain, just four or five miles from York itself. Although York with its many attractions is a great draw for anyone staying in the area, the great reason for visiting Beningbrough is to see the wonderful Georgian mansion of Beningbrough Hall, built by John Bourchier. There was a Tudor mansion on the site before the present hall was built in 1716, and panelling from the older building was salvaged to be used in the new one. Beningbrough Hall has a fine frontage, the two main storeys looking out boldly at the world, and the attic floor almost hidden with its minute casements set in the frieze supporting the roof. The building has two rather unusual elements for the era. Firstly the cantilever stairs with treads seven feet wide, the balustrade artfully carved to make the wood seem like the wrought-iron work then fashionable. And secondly the central corridors on both the main floors, which run the full length of the building. The National Trust owns the property now, and since 1978 it has housed a fine collection of 18th century portraits (and some 17th century) provided by the National Portrait Gallery. Also worth seeing is the silver seal used by John Bourchier’s ancestor of the same name, when he signed the death warrant of Charles I in 1649. Outside the house is a fine park of nearly 400 acres, well wooded and with gentle water meadows to give a calm elegance to the land. The calm may not be to the taste of all visitors, so there is a children’s playground, wilderness area, and fort for those with energy to burn.
Attraction
Beningbrough Hall & Gardens (NT)
Places to Stay near Beningbrough
The Willows Bed & Breakfast (2.35 miles)
Old Granary House (2.65 miles)
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Beechwood Close Hotel (4.59 miles)
Astley House (4.81 miles)
Please enquire about current special rates Located close to picturesque Clifton Green, Astley House is a comfortable fourteen minutes walk from the Minster & York city centre with many historic ... More
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