Four miles north of Ripon is a house that inspired one of the greatest novels in English history.
Charlotte Bronte stayed at Norton Conyers in 1839 and heard the legend of a mad woman who was confined to the attic in the previous century. Thus was born the idea of Mrs Rochester and Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre.
A secret staircase, found when floorboards were lifted in 2004, attracted international attention because it matched the novel’s description of a hidden flight of stairs from near Mr Rochester’s bedroom to his wife’s attic prison.
There is, however, so much more to Norton Conyers than Jane Eyre, even though it is perhaps less well known than other nearby great houses, such as Newby and Beningbrough.
Charles I and James II both stayed at the grade two late medieval house, which has been in the Graham family since 1624. It usually opens to the public 28 days a year although covid prevented this in 2020.
Sir James Graham and Lady Halina in front of the clock tower.
Sir James Graham, the 11th baronet, and his wife Lady Halina have occupied the family seat since 1982 and clearly adore it but the effort of maintaining such a large, historic site is considerable. Deathwatch beetle has been a particular menace.
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The couple are now trying to raise £260,000 to renovate the beautiful clock tower, which is leaning and in danger of collapse. Swarms of wild bees got into the wood and caused it to rot.
The sum would also go towards repairing the roof above the adjacent 17th century stables, Smithy, laundry and bakery. Lady Halina says:
“We’ve received a £60,000 grant from the Country Houses Foundation. We don’t know where the other £200,000 will come from.”
The secret staircase that was discovered at Norton Conyers in 2004.
The clock tower bell dates back to 1724 but hasn’t sounded since 1986, when the clock last worked.
Clock experts Smith of Derby have been hired to get the clock and bell working for the first time in almost 35 years.
Visitors regularly talk of Norton Conyers’ special atmosphere. Archaeologists have been working there for more than 25 years and new discoveries are constantly being made: just six weeks ago restoration work on an ancient door discovered symbols designed to ward off evil spirits.
Lady Halina says:
“There is so much more to the house than Jane Eyre. But it is a lot of work. The house is our blessing and our curse!”
The four poster bed that James II stayed in.