Tour de France comes to West Tanfield!

Six miles north of the ancient town of Ripon the road takes you over the bridge and the River Ure, past the fabulous view of the Marmion Tower and the Church.

Welcome to West Tanfield - Gateway to the Dales.

Men and women have lived and worked here since before records began. Reminders of their existence surround us, in the geography of the area, the fabric of the buildings and the artefacts in the Church. today West Tanfield has a Church, Chapel, School, two grade two listed pubs, a village hall and an excellent shop/post office and numerous small businesses. All welcome visitors through their doors for quiet reflection, a decent chat or a little retail therapy.

This year the ‘Tour de France’ passes through the village. The community here is very proud of West Tanfield and will welcome them with open arms as they will you whenever you come to visit us.

North Yorkshire offers some of the best roads, landscapes and a variety of terrains which makes it the perfect location for the world renowned race.

Sunday the 6th of July will see the cyclists passing through West Tanfield for Stage 2 of the race, and were sure it’s going to be an unforgettable event!

For more information on the Tour de France 2014 you can visit the website at www.letour.yorkshire.com.

If you are thinking about joining us over the summer, West Tanfield makes for the perfect family holiday destination.

Looking to stay somewhere suitable for the whole family? Cedar Retreats Luxury Lodges is the ideal bolt hole for those who want to enjoy a tranquil break or outdoor living with a variety of activities on the doorstep.  Whether you would like to take a stroll into the beautiful village of West Tanfield, a walk down the river, lunch in one of the village pubs; or action further afield with Heritage sites such as Fountain’s Abbey and Newby Hall; adventure parks like Lightwater Valley and Aerial Extreme, fishing, horse riding, golf or one of the many walks the Yorkshire Dales has to offer. Feel free to visit the website for further information at www.cedarretreats.co.uk.

You can find out more about the village at www.west-tanfield.com, and for the friendly local village store and post office please visit www.wtvs.co.uk.

Content kindly supplied by Judith and David from the West Tanfield Village Store.

Five Fun Family Days Out in North Yorkshire

When staying at your retreat you are sure to find some great days out for the family in the local area!

North Yorkshire is filled with attractions suitable for the whole family from animal parks to beautiful gardens, there is sure to be something for everyone. So here is a quick low-down of some of our top picks around the beautiful North Yorkshire! 

Flamingo Land in Malton 

Flamingo land contains 400 acres of family adventures! And you'll find something to suit the whole family from looping roller coasters, to a fantastic zoo featuring animals from around the world, such as giraffes and lions. For more information visit their website at www.flamingoland.co.uk.

Lightwater Valley in Ripton
Spanning across 175 acres of North Yorkshire countryside, Lightwater Valley is bursting with fun activities. From Skeleton Cove to Raptor attack, there are a wide variety of rides to suit all ages.
For more information please visit their site at www.lightwatervalley.co.uk.

Sea Life Marine Sanctuary in Scarborough
The sanctuary boasts over 50 displays of incredible marine life from The Octopus Garden to the Seal Rescue Centre and even sharks! There are guided talks and feeding shows, so you are sure to be captivated.
For further infomation please visit their website at www.visitsealife.com/scarborough.

Big Sheep and Little Cow Farm in Bedale
If you've always wanted a real hands on farm experience, then you are sure to love Big sheep little cow farm!
Both children and adults will get the chance to hold, feed and play with the animals. You'll find sheep, pigs and even some more unusual animals such as hedgehogs! For more information please visit the website at www.farmattraction.co.uk.

Newham Grange Country Farm in Middlesbrough

Newham is a working farm dating all the way back to the 17th century! There are many things to do and see, including a whole host of animals such as donkeys, cows, rabbits and ponies. The grounds are also suitable for walking running or even cycling! For mnore information visit the website at www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/newhamgrange

The history of West Tanfield

As with many towns and villages around the United Kingdom, not only is West Tanfield beautifully scenic, but is also rich with history! Here is a little on the past of the early dwellings of West Tanfield.

The King’s Champion came from the family home at Fontenay-au-Marmion near the Conqueror’s birthplace of Falaise. It is known that William the Conqueror and Marmion were both descended from Rollo the Ganger, an early Duke of Normandy.
 Robert Marmion of Tamworth had two wives and each bore him children. The eldest sons were both called Robert. The younger one inherited the Tanfield Estate which passed after his death to his son William who was eventually laid to rest in Tanfield Church circa 1230.

William’s son John inherited, and on 24 September 1314 obtained a licence to crenelate his dwelling place called ‘The Hermitage’ in a field called Magdalen in his woods at West Tanfield. Several years ago a sculptured stone was found among the ruins, it is a squared block of sandstone carved on two side with representations of animal forms. This along with a similar stone is in the Church.

John Marmion was in due course (1322) succeeded by his son John who married Maud the daughter of Lord Furnival. It was to honour her that her daughter Avice founded three chantries in West Tanfield.

Robert was the last true heir of the Marmions, traditionally of an infirm constitution and without children, he arranged for his sister Avice to marry as the 2nd wife of Lord Grey of Rotherfield and to take over the Marmion estates on condition that their descendents should bear the Marmion name.

There were two sons John and Robert, John took the name Marmion and Robert the name Grey. They married Elizabeth and Lora daughters and co-heirs of Herbert St. Quintin.

John Marmion married Elizabeth St. Quintin, they had no children so that when John died in Spain fighting for his Lord, John of Gaunt on 25 February 1386/7 an Inquisito Post Mortem taken on 19 July 1387 declared that Elizabeth Grey, daughter of Robert Grey, Chevalier, brother of John is the next heir and is aged 21 years and more.

The tomb in the church is dedicated to John Marmion and his wife Elizabeth, although as he died abroad it is doubtful that he is laid to rest there. The tomb is unique it has round it a free standing wrought iron hearse with 7 prickets for candles and is believed to be the only one in the country.

Elizabeth inherited all that was her Uncle’s and Father’s and married Sir Henry Fitzhugh circa 1400, with her marriage the Marmion name died in West Tanfield.

But in marrying her Sir Henry regained the manor lost to his family when Avice Fitzhugh married Robert Marmion, fourth Lord Marmion of Tamworth paying Henry111 – 350 marks and 5 palfreys for leave to do so.

If you want any more information on our lovely village, please visit the website at http://www.west-tanfield.com/ and http://www.wtvs.co.uk/.

Thanks to: The Early Families of Tamworth by Christine Smith, N.Y.C.R.O., Major A.T. Bourne-Arton.

Content kindly supplied by J. M. Coates, 2013

5 of the Best Walks in and around the North Yorkshire Moors

North Yorkshire has some of the worlds most stunning scenery. Whether you're on a dedicated walking holiday or a relaxing weekend break, it is the perfect place to go walking for pleasure. The lush valleys, heather-clad ridges, picturesque villages and rugged coastlines mean there are few better places - no wonder it often called 'God's own County'.