Trinity Season The humble clover leaf, or Shamrock to the Irish, has been one of the most effective and long-lasting explanations of the Holy Trinity. It’s remarkable that this common leaf of the wildflower meadows is still the national emblem of Ireland. And it’s just a leaf – the flower...
The image I’ve chosen this Pentecost, for use in the Poustinia, is an unusual one. You will immediately recognise it’s a colourful example of marbling – a technique we associate with the muted tones of the front-papers of old Victorian books. I was arrested by this vivid one for three...
This exhilarating painting by the 16th century Flemish artist is the most dramatic resurrection one I know. Our Lord leaps from the tomb like a victorious, record-breaking final-leg-runner of a 4x100m Olympic relay. And he’s still clutching the golden baton in his left hand. This is physical, athletic, Christian faith...
Join the Team at Parcevall Hall Our Mission Our retreat house is a place of peace, reflection, and renewal — a sanctuary where guests can step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with what matters most. We believe in creating a warm, welcoming environment where every detail,...
Review of Galahad and the Grail by Malcolm Guite, illustrated by Stephen Crotts, foreword by Susanna Clarke (Canterbury Press, 2026, ISBN 978-1-78622-712-6, 358pp) This impressive ballad-style retelling of the Grail legend forms the first part of a projected four volumes of what Guite calls ‘An Arthuriad’. In forty pages of...
General Assistant at Parcevall Hall Parcevall Hall is a Retreat and Conference Centre at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales welcoming residential guests and day visitors. The Hall is a beautiful old building surrounded by lovely gardens, with 17 bedrooms and communal areas. www.parcevallhall.org.uk We are looking to recruit a...
In algae blooms and imposing hills, In gnarly twigs bearing singular green buds, In the looming pines and cool soil depths, In seams of bright light in a tapestry of cloud. The small, still voice echoes now as it always has. A ripple of stillness across life’s crashing waves. Surely...
This last weekend it was the Exploring the Enneagram Retreat which runs as part of our Wellbeing Stream of retreats. The leader, Cathy Brown, has been a regular facilitator in recent years. Cathy says that coming to Parcevall is like taking a step out of everyday life and into another...
This rustic relief of Moses hiding his face before the burning bush is all about our rightful demeanour in this season of Lent. It’s typical of Nigerian carved door panels which adorn the entrance to the houses of village chiefs. This one Carole and I saw during our missionary service...
Parcevall Hall is pleased to announce a new programme of Art and Contemplation exhibitions for 2026, created in partnership with Craven Arts. Studies suggest that in a gallery setting, people spend an average of just 15 seconds looking at a work of art. At Parcevall Hall, where historic paintings accompany...