Markshall’s first fifty years captured in a new book, The Charity at 50

Author Richard Tattersall captures the key events of Markshall Estate’s charitable trust over its first fifty years in a new book, The Charity at 50.

The trust was established in 1971 to keep the vision of Thomas Phillips Price, the estate’s last private owner, alive. In his will, he had decreed that Markshall Estate would be held in Trust for the nation.

Richard Tattersall said “Having been associated with Markshall since the late 1970s I felt very strongly that the 50th anniversiary of the establishment of the charity was an opportunity to remember something of the work undertaken in the past 50 years. It is also a time to recall the individual trustees and staff, sometimes all too easily forgotten, yet without whose dedication and commitment much of what you see today at Markshall would simply not have been achieved.”

The new book, which can be purchased at Markshall, tells the story of how the popular visitor attraction and wedding venue became all it is today. Richard added “I was extremely fortunate to have been closely involved with much of the work in the 1980s and 1990s when so many exciting projects were undertaken, and the eventual shape and the direction of the charity’s work began to come together. It was during these years that the Arboretum concept became a reality, the moving and reconstruction of Bouchiers Barn gave us a Visitor Centre, and the restoration of the Walled Garden, lakes, weirs and Iron Bridge along Robin’s Brook became physical proof of the trust’s vision and achievements. They were thus pivotal years which laid the foundations on which the trust has built ever since.”

The new read also talks about the history of the estate, reflecting on key events in its history – like the demolition of the mansion house and the establishment of the charity – and looks towards the future for the unique landscape.

“A much greater understanding of the historic landscape which frames so much of the estate and the richness of its flora and fauna also began to emerge during this time.”

Richard continued “I very much hope the history will be widely read and enjoyed by many of our visitors and especially those who return again and again to enjoy this special place, and who will now have the opportunity to understand how Markshall has slowly evolved over the past 50 years.”

Interim Chair of the Board of Trustees, Meriel Barclay adds “We are delighted that Richard has written this book. He has known Markshall for several decades and has been part of much of its development since Markshall became a charity in 1971. So, there is no-one more qualified to write a book on our history. To have this history of such an important estate in the area now in the form of a book, is very special.”

The book can be purchased from the Admissions point at Markshall Estate with profits being returned to the charity; keeping Thomas Phillips Price’s legacy alive.