We’ve been to a Marvellous Party

It’s been a long time since the Society has been able to offer members an outing. Our plans for a programme of coach excursions and local visits organised for 2020 had to be abandoned because of Covid and lockdown, so it was a pleasure to finally get out and about – even if we only travelled a few miles from Wakefield, when we visited Hodroyd Hall at Felkirk for a tour of the house followed by an afternoon tea.

Hordroyd Hall, © 2021 Hodroyd Hall Estate Ltd

Hodroyd Hall is a beautiful, grade II listed private country house in the picturesque hamlet of Felkirk, approximately 8 miles from Wakefield.

The earliest reference to Hodroyd is in 1144 and the Hall is steeped in history from its days as a monastic building, to the country seat of the Monckton family, to offices for the National Coal Board.

In 2017, Hodroyd Hall was acquired by Stephen Aviss, an opera singer, and his family and it was Stephen who showed our members around, pointing out that Oliver Cromwell and possibly Mary, Queen of Scots, had been among the previous visitors.

Following an extensive renovation of the property, the Hall has now opened for events and wedding hire. It is once again a family home and offers a unique combination of country house tradition with the informality of family life – and they do splendid afternoon teas!

Wakefield Civic Society members and guests admiring the gardens at Hodroyd Hall
Afternoon Tea at Hodroyd Hall

Find out more about Hodroyd Hall on their website here.