Markenfield is part of a very small group of mediaeval houses that could still be recognised by its builders. It would include thirteenth century Stokesay Castle in Shropshire and fifteenth century Nappa Hall in Wensleydale.
When built circa 1310, the main house seems to have had an outer moat and other defences, as well as the present moat. Only the upper parts of the house would have been seen above the gatehouse and its tall flanking walls.
Photographs courtesy of John Furlong.
The main house is L-shaped and stands in the north east corner of the moated site, the Great Hall taking up the northern arm and the Chapel the eastern one. The Great Hall was once entered by means of an external staircase, the remains of which are still visible to the left of the tall gothic hall windows; their tracery closely resembles that of the great churches and cathedrals of the day.
The outline of the first floor doorway.
The outline of the entrance porch can be seen picked out in lighter coloured stones on the ground.
The east or chapel wing is three storied, its staircase turret and candlesnuffer roof projecting into the courtyard.
The humbler range of buildings adjoining the remaining Courtyard walls probably housed stables and lodgings for retainers, and provided the storage space required for a wealthy household. The refined architectural style of the Great Court was maintained for the walls facing outwards towards the moat - a sign that, despite its battlements, Markenfield was a fortified manor house and not a castle.
