From Viking Roots to a Global Hub of Faith and Fellowship

Capernwray Hall is a testament to centuries of history, transformation, and purpose. From its Viking trade connections to its pivotal role as a centre for Christian ministry, this extraordinary place has evolved through time, becoming a beacon of faith, community, and spiritual growth. Discover the remarkable story of Capernwray, where ancient roots meet a vibrant future of global fellowship and life-changing experiences.

Meaning of Capernwray

Capernwray was first mentioned in the 1200s as ‘Coupmanwra,’ which likely means ‘merchant’s corner’ from Old Norse roots. Whether it refers to a trader or a person, it reflects Viking trade connections.

From Norman knights to railways

The first family to be associated with Capernwray Hall is the Martons. They descend from Peganus de Marton, who invaded England with William the Conqueror in 1066. After the invasion, Peganus was given the land in West Yorkshire called East and West Marton. Centuries later, his descendant Oliver Marton (1668) purchased the 13th-century Capernwray Old Hall, just one mile from where Capernwray Hall is today. 

The Martons lived there until the early 1800s when construction on the current Capernwray Hall began. When construction began, George Richard Marton, Oliver Marton’s grandson, was in charge of the estate. His older brother Oliver was the rightful heir but was mentally unsound, and the tenure went to George Richard instead. 

George Richard hired architect Edmund Sharpe to build the hall, and the first construction occurred between 1805 and 1820. George Richard passed away in 1834, which left his brother Oliver as the rightful heir again. Oliver lived until 1843, and on his death, George Richard’s son George became the new rightful heir to the estate. George was a very proactive man and was responsible for developing what we know as the main house today. In 1843, he added the two side extensions to the main house and much of the courtyard. His son, George Marton, completed the final home extension, including the clock tower and laundry corridor. 

The Martons were wealthy for many reasons. Throughout the generations, they have been lawyers, Members of Parliament, and the High Sheriff. In addition to building the hall, they used their wealth to buy up the surrounding area, including Borwick Hall, which was bought by the third George Marton in 1858. They also owned 12 farms, some wooded land, and had some fishing rights in the area. In 1867, George Marton had Borwick Railway Station built to transport their farm produce and easy access to get their racehorses to Epsom.

Second World War

By the start of the Second World War, the Marton family was no longer living at Capernwray Hall. In the 1930s, the family fell into financial trouble and moved away, leaving the home vacant. To put the house to good use during the war, Ripley St. Thomas High School in Lancaster was relocated to Capernwray Hall. Already being a school for parentless children, the hall provided the perfect place for everyone to live until the war ended. The British Army also used the grounds to store barrels of petrol. Until the war finished, army officials guarded the main entrance gate to the site.

Capernwray for sale

When the war was over, the rightful owner of Capernwray Hall was Oliver Marton, son of George Marton, who left the hall before the war. During the war, Oliver had been in Hong Kong as a practising solicitor and was captured by the Japanese army and put into Japanese prison camps. He returned to England in poor health and with no money on his release. Unable to keep up with the responsibility of such a large estate, he put it all up for sale and sold everything. 

While the Martons were dealing with the ruin of their family estate, Major Ian Thomas was in the early stages of finding a large home where he and his wife could host Christian holidays for young people. He saw that Capernwray Hall was being advertised for sale and asked his wife to go to the auction to try and purchase it. The Major could not be at the auction himself because he was still in Germany, fulfilling his war duties. His wife Joan went to the auction at Lancaster Town Hall with a friend on 11 September 1946 and purchased Capernwray Hall for £7,350. This was the beginning of what has become Torchbearers International.

A New Purpose

The Thomas’ dream of having a place to host a large number of youth and teach them about Christ was starting to become a reality. They had a lot of work to get the site cleaned up and ready for guests. Many renovations, furnishings, and hall painting needed to be done. With help from family, a couple of new hires, and a few members of staff who stayed on from the Marton household, they hosted their first holiday in May 1947. They welcomed 10 guests shortly after a link was forged with Germany through the British Foreign Office and their re-education programme. This programme was a scheme to help repair the relationship between Britain and Germany after the war. During these visits, German and British guests would room, eat, socialise, and worship together. It was a pretty remarkable occurrence to happen just after the war. Through these visits, many discovered knowing God through Jesus Christ is possible. Because of these initial overseas contacts, the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers was established.

In 1947, Capernwray was used only as a holiday centre. Guests would come for a week to attend sessions, participate in activities, and meet others from new places. Early on, LT Van Dooren, who had joined the Thomas’s to help run holidays, noticed guests were leaving filled and refreshed but wanting more. He suggested opening a  Bible school in winter to offer more in-depth study. The first Winter School opened in 1949 with Mr. Van Dooren as the principal. The Bible school was so successful that Stuart Briscoe started Spring School in 1966.

The story continues

The site has been developed during the last three decades to include a purpose-built dining hall, sports hall, swimming pool, and many more. Today there are 25 Tourchbearer centres worldwide.  At Capernwray Hall, we have more than 250 students a year who come and grow in their relationship with Christ. Our connection with Germany is still strong; many of our students and guests come from Germany. More than 2,000 people from across the globe seek relaxation, fun, and a deeper relationship with Christ each year.

The ongoing aim of Capernwray, and the staff involved in the variety of programmes here, is to give people from all walks of life the opportunity to hear the life transforming message of Jesus, to deepen their relationship with him, to grow in their understanding of the Bible and be equipped for the Christian life.

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