A new look and an old name for centuries old Estate

A popular Essex tourist attraction and registered charity has a new look and website as it launches an ambitious five-year strategy.

Formerly ‘Marks Hall Estate’, the rebranded Markshall Estate has unveiled its new identity at the start of what is sure to be a busy domestic tourism season, following months of national lockdown measures.

Records for a large manor called ‘Markshall’ go back to the Domesday Book of 1086, under the Anglo-Saxon spelling of ‘Mercheshala’. The refreshed identity represents a new period for the charity ahead of its 50th birthday celebrations which begin in November.

Markshall Estate Executive Director, Kath Cockshaw, said: “Like most heritage sites, we want to celebrate our long past, honour and explore our roots, and tell our stories for many years to come.”

“Although other names have been used over the years, our historic name is a huge part of our land’s heritage and identity since Saxon times, and as Markshall Estate evolves, we are pleased to say it will be a big part of our future. This is a significant milestone for us as we develop our visitor offer and bolster our conservation work alongside a new five-year strategy.”

The new look coincides with the launch of a brand-new website – www.markshall.org.uk – as well as extended opening hours, meaning visitors can now access the 2,350-acre Estate and its world-class Arboretum six days a week, year-round.

Visitors have been taking advantage of newly relaxed Government guidelines and have been flocking to the Estate’s Easter Family Trail, which runs until Sunday 11 April.