This was our welcome party to Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple, (Kilnwick Percy Hall) situated up past York - in Polkington. Its a heritage listed historic home - an Elizabethan Hall set in 42 acres of grazing land.
It has an interesting history as far as how it became a temple - The area is mentioned in the doomsday book and in the late 1500s the Manor was built in the style of the time - the Elizabethan Hall. The lord must have run out of money as it wasn't completed for over 150 years. It was finally completed in the late 1700s and used as a hunting lodge and country escape ( as was the fashion of the time with the gentry.)
It had over 40 bedrooms at one stage and over 60 staff - wow!
During the second world war the army took over Kilnwick Percy Hall. Afterwards, like many manor homes, the staff who used to be there, didn't return, wages were too high to engage more and the home was shut up to preserve heat and cleaning. It fell into disrepair and sadly caught fire where two-thirds of the building had to be demolished. The most magnificent part, the grand staircase - was demolished and made into furniture. - eekkk! fortunately, part of it was rescued and fashioned into a staircase for another area in the house. It was purchased by Madhyamaka Buddhist Centre 25 years ago.
Our bedrooms are the second floor - the first and second window from the right. They monks who met us appologised for the megre accommodation - but boy - compared with the Camino and what we have had to sleep in for the last 60 days - this place is luxury plus.. It has hot water!! It has blankets.. oh the luxury of it all.
We are giddy with pleasure.. really. We are looking forward to this week.
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