The Ingilby family, whose home is at Ripley Castle, are continuing a long tradition of supporting local artisans, with a new monthly market in its castle grounds, Real Markets at Ripley Castle.
Real Markets, whose mission is to champion local, specialist, and independent producers and makers, have brought their newest free monthly market to Ripley throughout the year, with a special Christmas market on 10 December.
Sir Thomas Ingilby said: “The Ingilby family has been supporting local artisan craftspeople at Ripley for over 700 years – and still do today, noticeably through the ‘Just Makers’ shop opposite the Castle Tearooms.”
One of Yorkshire’s leading attractions, Ripley Castle has been through a plague, a renaissance, enlightenment, and industrial revolution. The Ingilby family has occupied the castle for more than 800 years.
Nine of the eleven known conspirators of the Gunpowder Plot were close relations or associates of the Ingilby Family. ‘Trooper’ Jane Ingilby held Oliver Cromwell prisoner overnight in the castle’s library after the Battle of Marston Moor.
This rich history has inspired local produce, including a bespoke beer.
Sir Ingilby explained: “A 1684 recipe for, a ‘very strong beer’ discovered in the then head housekeeper, Mrs Elizabeth Eden’s manuscript recipe book, was given to the local Daleside Brewery in Starbeck and sold by them as ‘Crackshot’ in honour of ‘Trooper Jane’ Ingleby.”
The family also support local craft and heritage skills directly on site: “Two of our employees – one of them an Ingilby – are apprentice trained cabinet makers who restore the castle’s furniture and design and create fantastic new designs. You can tell that they are craftspeople because they both have beards,” Sir Ingilby joked.
On festive traditions for the family, Sir Ingilby said: “Every Christmas we continue this artisanal tradition in our Secret Santa gift-giving, which requires the extended family to produce a Christmas present with their own fair hands. Last year’s gifts included a home-baked brioche loaf, an embroidery stitched by then 99-year-old ‘Granny’ (she has subsequently passed 100), home-made fine-cut marmalade, a multiple candle holder made from a beer barrel, a picture of the castle on a laser-engraved glass jug, wild Ripley garlic pesto sauce and assorted knitwear. They were all made with love and meant so much more to the chosen recipient.”
Real Markets at Ripley Castle on Sunday 10 December will feature a special visitor from the North Pole and carols from local school children. Visitors can make a day of it and enjoy a walk in the beautiful setting, with free access to Ripley Castle’s grounds and gardens on market day. Dogs on leads are welcome too.
Lucy Allen, director of Real Markets, said: “We hope our special Christmas market brings a little magic in this fairy tale setting. We’re thrilled that our specially curated local market will continue to be in the castle grounds once a month, every month next year too. It offers free access to Ripley castle’s grounds and gardens, so a fantastic day out for all ages.”
Real Markets runs a number of long-standing Yorkshire markets, including monthly markets and farmers’ markets in Ilkley, Grassington, Otley and Harrogate, as well as Ripley Castle. Its ethos is to support local, small, specialist and independent businesses to benefit the local community and help local producers thrive.
Real Markets at Ripley Castle runs on the last Sunday of each month excluding January. The Real Markets Christmas market at Ripley Castle will take place from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 10 December. Admission is free.
Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby added: “Thank you for supporting the wonderful craftspeople… By buying local you are supporting them, preserving their crafts for future generations, and supporting the local economy. We wish you all a very happy Christmas and join you in praying for peace in all corners of our troubled globe.”
To find out more, and check the latest market dates and more, go to: realmarkets.co.uk
About Real Markets
Real Markets is an established organiser of vibrant local markets across Yorkshire, creating opportunities for independent traders and artisans to showcase their products. With a commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement, Real Markets curate unique events that bring together a diverse range of high-quality vendors and enthusiastic visitors.
Real Markets hosts monthly markets including Ilkley (first Sunday of the month), Grassington (third Sunday of the month), Harrogate Farmers’ Market (second Thursday of the month), Otley Farmers’ Market (last Sunday of the month) and Ripley Castle (last Sunday of the month).
