Parcevall Hall

Submitted by Alan Marsden on Tue, 01/07/2025 - 00:00

Parcevall Hall is an attractive old manor house close to the delightfully named village of Appletreewick. I dated the oldest part to the mid-seventeenth century but official sources, while somewhat reticent, suggest an Elizabethan construction. The late Queen Mary, consort to George V, holidayed here, the guest of its then owner, Sir Willam Milner, who extended it. Now it is a retreat centre belonging to the Anglican Diocese of Leeds, offering respite and contemplative quietude to its restless or jaded clergy. For this reason, I was understandably unable to go looking around the house, but online pictures suggest a pleasant interior, in keeping with its age.

The ticket price gives one access to the 24 acres of garden and woodland, however, which makes the visit worthwhile and likely proves a tonic to those clerical seekers of solitude. Views of the hills, wooded valleys, floral borders and rockeries must be a helpful and comforting distraction from the daily rounds of admin and ecclesiastical politics.

I used to be rather sniffy about ‘retreats’, yet a good general knows when it is right to signal changes of direction so his men might fight again another day, refreshed and strengthened. Leading worship, congregations or even oneself can be tiresome and wearisome. If withdrawing to some rural bolthole recharges batteries and tops up flagging zeal, then retreat away. The paradisical flowers and trees of Parcevall will surely be the kind of place to which the Good Shepherd leads His sheep. The apostle Paul likens us to athletes, builders and soldiers, yet the Lord Jesus still invites us to come to Him and rest, for His yoke is easy, and His burden light.