A historic tale that has run unbroken for seven centuries is about to come to an end.
Ripley Castle, the imposing, Grade I listed monument near Harrogate, is up for sale for the very first time.
The Ingilby family, who acquired the estate in the 1300s then built the castle and lived there ever since, have announced they are moving out.
They have released this statement: “After over 700 years as a much loved family home, the current owners Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby, with the full support of their family, have decided to sell the Ripley Castle Estate.
“The family will continue to live nearby and focus on their 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.”
The estate is up for sale with Carter Jonas. Any enquiries about the sale should be directed to Mark Granger of the firm at [email protected].
The Ingilbys have an extraordinary history. Sir Thomas Ingleby married the heiress Edeline Thwenge in 1308 and acquired the Ripley Castle estate with its medieval manor house as her dowry.
His oldest son, also called Thomas, saved King Edward III from being gored by a wild boar whilst on a hunting expedition in Knaresborough forest and was knighted.
Sir William Ingleby (1546–1618) was knighted by James VI of Scotland when the king was en route to his coronation as James I of England in 1603.
In 1605 Sir William was involved in the Gunpowder Plot, allowing the conspirators to stay at Ripley whilst they procured horses. One of those involved, Robert Winter was his nephew. Ingleby was arrested and charged with treason, but acquitted.
In 1644, the next Sir William Ingilby fought for King Charles I at Marston Moor. When the battle was lost he fled and hid in Ripley Castle. Parliamentarian Oliver Cromwell followed him there, but was held at gunpoint by his sister Jane so he couldn’t search the place.
The castle we see today was begun in 1548 by Sir William Ingilby. The house was rebuilt in 1780, but the 15th-century gatehouse was retained. The tower block is the oldest section of the current house.
The marketing of The Ripley Castle Estate is unlikely to start before October. No price has yet been put on the estate or its constituent parts.