In April we had a talk by Phil Burton who is a National Trust volunteer speaker with a speciality in local properties. His talk was an introduction to one of North Yorkshire’s oldest and most influential families. This was the Pennyman family who lived at Ormesby Hall for more than 400 years. The talk was interesting covering the background of the family as well as the origins and development of the property. It was particularly interesting to hear how the stables served as the home for the Cleveland Mounted Police for 40 years up to 2013.
On 14th July 19 of us were booked for the follow-on visit to Ormesby Hall although three members dropped out on the day. The weather forecast was dreadful but the rain held off for a few hours and then most of us were able to dodge the showers.
The grounds are quite extensive with the garden plus 240 acres of parkland to explore. The mansion is classic Georgian with complementary décor, paintings and furniture telling the history of the family. The formal style gardens are fairly small and can be found at the rear of the Hall. They lead into the fernery and woodland walk with access to the croquet lawn as well as sight of the estate Church and graveyard.
Created in 2022, Ormesby Hall’s new meadow, orchard and pond stands in a recently unused field, once known to staff as the “scruffy field “. It is now a vibrant haven for nature and wildlife. The metal horse sculpture ’The Mare’ by Whitby artist Emma Stothard reflects the Pennyman family’s enduring love for horses. (There is a wild boar, of similar construction, in the Bishop’s Park). It was a pity that the stables are currently closed with a promise that they will open to the public at some future date.
The rain did catch up us but didn’t spoil the enjoyment as you can see from the faces of four members enjoying lunch.
