Medieval hall that spent 400 years as a barn brought back to life

A medieval great hall that was used as a barn for more than 400 years has won a new restoration award after being converted into a family library.

Playwright Ian Curteis and his wife Lady Deirdre Curteis spent more than £100,000 turning the 13th century hall back into the heart of their moated Yorkshire home, Markenfield Hall. Their efforts have won them the £5,000 award, jointly run by the Historic Houses Association (HHA) and auction house Sotheby's.

Mr Curteis admitted part of the motivation was to house his collection. But he said the over-riding reason was to "breath life" back into the room for the first time since 1570.

That year Markenfield Hall was confiscated from Sir Thomas Markenfield, a Catholic, by Elizabeth I after he backed a revolt against the queen. Mr Curteis said: "He was forced into exile and died in poverty."

Elizabeth I handed the house to Sir Thomas Edgerton who turned it into a farm. Only now has it been returned to its former glory, thanks to Mr Curteis and his wife, who is descended from the Markenfield line.

Markenfield Hall beat some 40 contenders to win the competition. Three runners-up –Harewood House in Yorkshire, Paxton House in Scotland and Wilton House in Wiltshire – were also highly commended.

From: Telegraph.co.uk