Petals of the Past: Families through time—stories that shaped the hall
See Fountains Hall in a new light - not just as a building, but as a home.
Built in the shadow of the abbey ruins, Fountains Hall was the beating heart of the estate for centuries following the dissolution. It was within these turbulent walls that fascinating people lived from the late 16th century to the 1960s.
This year, we invite you to dive deeper into the history of this estate, looking beyond the magnificent ruins and water gardens, to the complex social history that shaped this special place.
What is Petals of the Past?
Did you know that there is a secret language of flowers dating back centuries?
As you make your way through the hall, in familiar spaces and new, you’ll notice floral arrangements which give clues about the the individuals and families that walked the same rooms.
Working with Floral Designer, Anice Neville, unique arrangements will help to tell the story of the inhabitants of Fountains Hall, from its beginning as a hunting lodge for the powerful Gresham family, to the home of the Vyners — the last private owners of the estate.
Music, scent and other sensory objects will also make up part of the new presentation of the history.
You can explore the hall every day 11am - 4pm. Fountains Hall is included in normal admission to the Abbey and Water Garden.
The Mallory family return home
When the Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal estate came into the care of the National Trust in the 1980s a painting of the Mallory family, owners of Studley Royal from the 1400s was acquired. In a desperate state of repair, the painting was packed and taken to Beningbrough Hall in York to be safely stored. .
Now after months of careful investigation and conservation work, we’re pleased to say that this painting will be back on display in Fountains Hall. Make your way up to the Great Chamber to take in the collosal size, interesting details and portrait of Sir John Mallory and his family.
You’ll also be able to learn more about the conservation work that was undertaken at Critchlow and Kukkonen and the mysteries that we’re still discovering about this interesting portrait.
To uncover the mystery of how we got such a large painting up the stairs, you’ll have to ask your room guide!
The significance of Fountains Hall
Fountains Hall is perhaps the most mysterious place on the estate. What’s really special about this building is how it links the hundreds of years between the dissolution and the 18th century heyday of Studley Royal.
The origins of Fountains Hall lie in this chaotic chapter of British history, set against the backdrop of the Tudor and Stuart Royal dynasties. From housing the manorial court of staunch Protestant Sir Stephen Proctor, it later housed the Catholic chapel of the Messenger family before becoming part of the Aislabie estate and accommodation for estate workers - Fountains Hall has seen the world through transition.
What do I need to know about visiting Fountains Hall?
Accessibility:
Please be aware that the hall is a historical building which has limited adaptions for access.
20 steps to the Stone Hall
16 steps to the Minstrel Gallery
14 steps to the Great Chamber
Dogs:
While waggy tails on short leads are welcome in most parts of the estate, dogs (excluding service animals) cannot be brought inside Fountains Hall.
To learn more about bringing your dog to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal visit: Dog walking at Fountains Abbey | Yorkshire | National Trust
Opening :
The hall is open daily* 11am- 4pm. There may be occasions where we regrettably have to close for repairs and staffing. Please ask the team at admissions for the most up to date information.
*Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is closed on Fridays in November, December and January as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
You might also be interested in
History of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Step back into a dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks lived here, and learn how Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal became one.
Art at Beningbrough
Discover more about the Reddihough Galleries on the first floor of Beningbrough Hall. See what's on display or coming next and what to expect between exhibitions and get a flavour of previous exhibitions.
Exhibitions at Nunnington Hall
Nunnington Hall hosts a programming of changing exhibitions throughout the year. Recently we have welcomed established artists, photographers, illustrators and sculptors alongside new artists and community groups to display their work in the gallery.
