Norton Conyers

A late medieval manor house with Stuart and Georgian additions. Owned by the Graham family since 1624 (except between 1862 and 1882). Exterior has distinctive Dutch-style gables, interior fine 18th plaster ceilings in the principal rooms. Good furniture, and accumulated family pictures, especially portraits and a famous John Ferneley hunting group, 'The Quorn Hunt in 1822'. Visited by Charles 1 in 1633, James II and his wife in 1679 (the room and the bed they traditionally used are still on display), and Charlotte Brontë in 1839. The legend of a mad woman confined in the attics in the previous century is said to have given her the idea for the mad Mrs Rochester in 'Jane Eyre', and the house is an original of 'Thornfield Hall'; the discovery in 2004 of a blocked staircase connecting the first floor to the attics and clearly mentioned in the novel, aroused world-wide interest.

The garden is five minutes' walk from the house. Laid out in the mid 18th century, it retains the essentials of its original design, together with sympathetic replanting in the English style. Two paths meet at the central feature, an Orangery (open to visitors) with a small ornamental pond before it. The main approach to this attractive building is flanked by herbaceous borders and high yew hedges. There is a fine view from its front windows of the garden's main gate and the park beyond. There are also borders of gold and silver plants, of old-fashioned peonies, and of irises. What visitors most frequently comment on is the tranquil atmosphere.

A small sales area specialises in unusual hardy plants. Pick-your-own fruit is available in season.

Visitor Opening TimesBack to top

2010: House will be closed for repairs during 2010. Garden: 2/3 & 30/31 May; Sun & Mon 6 Jun-9 Aug, also 29/30 Aug; daily 7-10 Jul. All 2-5pm; last admissions 4.40pm. Groups by appointment.

Disabled access - The main garden path is gravelled, and runs up a slight slope. The rest of the garden is suitable for disabled access.

Dogs must be on a lead in the garden and the grounds.

Garden Charity Openings 2010:
During 2010 our garden will be open for the following charities:
St John Ambulance (6 June)
Ripon Museum Trust (13 June)
National Gardens Scheme (11 July)
Friends of Ripon Hospital (25 July)
Wilf Ward Trust (1 August)
Amnesty International (8 August)

At all these openings the garden will be open from 2 - 5pm (last admissions 4:40pm), there will be an entrance charge of £4.50 for all adults (children of 16 and under free) and teas will be available.

Please contact the property for up to date opening times

Groups and special visitsBack to top

Late medieval house with Stuart and Georgian additions which has belonged to the Grahams since 1624. 383 years of occupation by the same family have given it a notably friendly atmosphere, which many visitors have remarked on. Pictures (including a celebrated John Ferneley "The Quorn Hunt" painted in 1822) furniture, ceramics and costumes are on display. Best known for its connection with Charlotte Brontë, who paid a visit in 1839. House is an original of "Thornfield Hall" in "Jane Eyre" and a family legend is said to have given Charlotte the idea for the mad Mrs Rochester.

Mid 18th century walled garden in full cultivation, with herbaceous borders between high yew hedges, an orangery and a small sales area specialising in unusual hardy plants.

Group visits welcome (20+).

House is closed for major repairs until the late summer.