Ripley Castle estate goes on sale after 700 years

A 14th Century castle and surrounding lands which have been owned by the same family for more than 700 years is to go up for sale.

The Ripley Castle estate, located near Harrogate, will be put on the market this autumn, although an asking price has not yet been confirmed.

The sale is likely to include the castle, grounds, coffee shops and the Boar’s Head pub.

The Grade I listed estate is currently owned by Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby, who want to “focus on other interests”.

“Most of the estate’s enterprises will continue to trade as normal and our valued clients, employees and tenants will be advised at the earliest opportunity of any changes to this plan,” a statement from them said.

They added that they had “the full support of their family”.

Estate agents Carter Jonas, who have been charged with the sale, said more information details, including price, would be available after October.

The castle is set in sumptuous grounds and contains lakes, a deer park, hothouses and a kitchen garden.

It is also a popular wedding venue, with activities available for guests including zorbing and archery.

According to the Ripley Estate website, it has been in the Ingilby family for 26 generations, with their history being described as one of “political, military, religious and social turbulence, of plague and persecution, of renaissance, enlightenment and industrial revolution”.

Sir Thomas Ingilby, who lived between 1290 and 1352, married heiress Edeline Thwenge in 1308/9 and acquired the Ripley Castle estate as her dowry.

His son Thomas saved King Edward III’s life when he was gored by a boar and was knighted.

James I stayed in the castle in 1603 but by 1605 members of the Ingilby family were part of the Gunpowder Plot to kill him.

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