Nunnington Hall

Our View

Set in beautiful gardens across the River Rye from tiny Nunnington village is honey-coloured Nunnington Hall. It’s a tranquil setting that offers no clue to the house’s turbulent past – this isn’t one of those stately homes that cruised serenely through the centuries, while leaving barely a ripple. Nunnington Hall’s early history is sketchy; it is thought to have been built on the site of a nunnery – hence its name. It was started by William Parr, brother of Henry VIII’s sixth wife Catherine – he lost the estate after the scandal of trying to set Lady Jane Grey on the throne. It passed through many hands, including the Abbot of St Mary’s at York. Most of the building – a concoction of Tudor and Stuart styles – dates from the 17th century. Among other attractions you can see the extraordinary hunting trophies in the entrance hall, the entrancing Carlisle collection of miniature rooms displayed in the attics, and regular art and photography exhibitions. The house belongs to the National Trust, so there’s an excellent tea room. It’s worth crossing the three-arched bridge and exploring the village on foot – Nunnington’s handsome grey stone houses are hidden from sight to those who drive straight through. The church dates largely from the 13th century. Here, in an alcove, you’ll find the effigy of a knight in chain mail. This recumbent figure commemorates Sir Walter de Teyes, Lord of the Manor of Nunnington and Stonegrave until his death in 1325.