Historic Ripley Castle Listed for Sale After 700 Years

Ripley Castle, a 700-year-old English estate owned by the Ingilby family since the 14th century, is up for sale for the first time.

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Historic Ripley Castle Listed for Sale After 700 Years

Ripley Castle, a Grade I-listed historic estate near Yorkshire Dales National Park, has been put on the market for the first time in over 700 years. Owned by the Ingilby family since the 14th century, the castle and its 445-acre estate are available for purchase at £17 million (Rs 182.5 crore).

Sir Thomas Ingilby and Lady Emma Ingilby, the current custodians, have decided to sell the estate to embrace a new chapter in their lives.

“We’ve been working seven days a week for so long, and we’re nearly 70. Now it’s time for us to travel and be impulsive,” Sir Thomas told The New York Post.

A Legacy Dating Back to the 1300s

The Ingilby family acquired Ripley Castle through the marriage of Sir Thomas Ingilby to Edeline Thweng in the 14th century during King Edward II’s reign. Since then, it has stood the test of time, witnessing royal visits, wars, and economic changes.

One of the castle’s legendary stories involves “Trooper Jane” Ingilby, who reportedly held Oliver Cromwell at gunpoint in the library while secretly protecting her brother.

Architectural Beauty and Expansive Grounds

Ripley Castle showcases a blend of medieval and Georgian architecture, featuring:

  • The Knight’s Chamber, with oak paneling and a Tudor-style ceiling
  • A hidden priest hole, discovered in 1963
  • An 18th-century orangery
  • A deer park and ornamental gardens

A Business and Conservation Opportunity

According to Mark Granger of Carter Jonas Christie’s International Real Estate, the estate offers immense commercial, agricultural, sports, and conservation potential.

The Ingilbys have maintained the estate well, undertaking significant restoration work, including re-roofing the castle to conservation standards.

A Difficult but Necessary Decision

Lady Emma Ingilby described their years at Ripley Castle as a privilege.

“Some of the events we’ve hosted here have been incredibly moving. Walking through the gardens by the lake, with deer drinking and the scent of flowers in the air, feels like a fairy tale,” she said.

The decision to sell was made in agreement with their children, who chose not to take on the responsibility of managing the estate.

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vast land, Ripley Castle is now awaiting a new owner to continue its legacy.