Civil Outing: Elmswell Old Hall
Bridlington and District Civic Society
Event - Elmswell Old Hall & Farm
Date - Wed April 1st 2026
Time – 10.30am – 3.30pm.
Place - Elmswell Old Hall & Farm YO25 3EL – Situated on the A166 Bridlington to Driffield
Cost – Free of charge
Contact Details – contact Wendy 07790223952 email: wendharrison@yahoo.co.uk
The site of the Hall dates from neolithic to post medieval.
Elmswell Old Hall was home to agricultural diarist Henry Best. It is in the top six per cent of listed buildings nationally after being upgraded to Grade 11*.
He purchased the land in 1597 which continued to stay in the ‘Best’ family until 1844.
The manor house is regarded as one of national importance because of Henry Best’s books. His articles gave detailed accounts of farming methods during that era, which helped revolutionise agriculture.
The hall is currently home of the Mackrill family who purchased the estate in 1939 with the first family moving in 1962.
Elmswell is only open one day in the year and not hugely advertised.
The Civic Society will be visiting at random times throughout the day. Generally, there is Dr Kirk who is very knowledgeable on this site and brings along a model of how it would have been originally.
We feel it is important to show interest and determination in keeping this site open to the public.