A Real Medieval Night in the Yorkshire Dales
No matter the occasion, whether a celebration, private function, get together or just a night out with a difference, a medieval night at the Priests House is a night to behold. This is a night of joviality amongst friends or colleagues, a time to get to now each other in a totally different environment from a distant past. Space may be at a premium in this ancient building but this just adds to the intimacy and authenticity of the atmosphere. This certainly won’t be the sort of medieval party that we have probably experienced on holiday, with contrived games and entertainment.
Picture the scene as you arrive....the backdrop of the historic Barden Tower casting an imposing shadow, the solitude of the location providing an eerie darkness, the flame lanterns greeting you up the orchard path with period music wafting in the air, real log fires burning away in the bar and dining room and staff in period costume serving you wine or beer in goblets. Dine majestically on a feast of local produce, spiced and prepared the traditional way and dine off trenchers without forks.
There will be no chips on the menu, no pizzas either. The menu can be flexed, but only in so far as ingredients that were used in true medieval times, before the arrival of the potato and the chicken tikka massala. There is plenty to eat (and drink) over a number of courses, it can be guaranteed you won’t go home hungry.
Following the meal, you can test your medieval knowledge, the loser of which will
be pelted with rotten tomatoes (sorry forget the last bit -
Typical fayre
Wortes broth with baked herbe bread
Various fish steamed with rosemary, thyme and raisins and pan-
Kings Meat Stue with buttered sops
Whole Rost phesant, chickin and partrige
Chunk of lamb studded with rosemary
A selection of broyled wortes
Tart of apple and ginger
Wardens in conserve
Cheese and fruits
Ale and wyne on the table
Riding your mare home in the dark is not recommended, as you may be mistaken for a poacher or be robbed at sword point! If you are looking to book on a midweek night we recommend you stay at the next door Barden Bunk Barn which sleeps up to 24 and is an ideal stopover so you can really enjoy the night with our worrying about getting home. The cost for the night is just £185.
Medieval nights are for individual groups of between 20 and 30 persons.
Cost is £47.50 per person
which includes all wine and ale for the evening.
Medieval banquets are most authentic between September and April when it is dark outside, the lights are turned down, candles lit and the log fires are burning away...
It is even more authentic when guests are dressed in medieval costume......
As a memorable private function venue, The Priests House, located at the very heart of the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales, is just about as picturesque and unique as it gets. This is the ideal venue for the small gathering of between 20 and 32 people. Booking a medieval night guarantees you totally privacy in this intimate and exclusive destination where you will be able to relax under no pressure to leave for other guests. A medieval evening usually commences at 7.30pm and finishes at 11.30pm.
This exclusive evening is centred around the excellent dining, a night when you just relax, chat and chill out, ideal to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or just to catch up with friends or colleagues. Having dined on the extensive middle aged feast you won’t feel like doing anything too energetic. Space is limited and thus there is no room for dancing or undertaking other medieval pastimes such as sword fighting or archery. Medieval weddings are also becoming increasingly popular, where the civil ceremony and wedding reception have a really distinctive feel.
Perched in front of the stunning backdrop of historic Barden Tower and nestled in the natural beauty of the Upper Wharfedale Valley, The Priests House is a superb ancient Yorkshire venue which has proved universally popular with guests of all ages. The Priests House is a Grade 1 listed building and thus steeped in history, and enjoys an excellent reputation for the quality of its restaurant and service. The buildings of The Priests House themselves hark back to medieval times and are truly a picture of dramatic beauty in a striking natural environment. Some medieval weapons have been found including an ancient pike said to be used at the Battle of Flodden and a long bow. Underneath and to the rear of the restaurant is the derelict Barden chapel, from which The Priests House gets its original purpose. This superb potential facility hasn’t been in use for over 50 years but plans are being put forward to renovate and turn into a superb new venue hosting civil weddings, larger medieval banquets, concerts, dances and for use as a corporate venue. Given the sensitivity of the site and Barden Chapel itself, this may take some time to come to fruition.
Long gone are those old days of being able to drive home after having enjoyed a few
rinks of ale or wine. Being in such a rural location does require some travel arrangements
to be made if the medieval dining and drinking is to be enjoyed to the full. There
is accommodation available in the next-
Plans are also in hand to develop an accompanying historic, derelict barn into 3 delightful, luxury double bedrooms where the ancient will meet the future and become a truly unique venue.
