A MANOR house fortified by its owners 700 years ago to keep out Scottish raiders opened to the public at the weekend.

Markenfield Hall, near Ripon, opened its doors for visitors to see the house, courtyard and moat yesterday, and will remain open until July 14.

Markenfield is home to Ian Curteis and Lady Deirdre Curteis and has been described as one of the most romantic manor houses in England.

Mr Curteis said following extensive re-roofing work, backed by an English Heritage grant, they had agreed to open the site to the public for at least the next ten years.

The chapel hosts regular Anglican and Roman Catholic services. Its historic links make it a "peculiar" parish exempt from control by bishops, although the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Right Reverend John Packer, will preach at a service in autumn.

Markenfield retains its parish status, despite having just four residents - Mr Curteis and his wife, and tenant farmer Andrew Foster and his wife, Diana.

They have powers to raise a parish precept, but rarely do so, and attempts in the past to merge it with neighbouring Littlethorpe Parish Council have been fended off.

Past residents have included a Chancellor of the Exchequer, a knight who fought at the Battle of Flodden Field, and an 18th Century Speaker of the House of Commons

The hall and grounds will be open each day until July 14, between 1pm and 5pm. Admissions costs £3 for adults and £1.50 for children and concessions.