(Image: Oliver Dixon)
Alan Shearer’s daughter Chloe chose a North Yorkshire country house for her wedding to rugby player Mick Young, sparking interest in the estate's history.
Chloe Shearer and Mr Young married at Forcett Hall Estate last week, drawing attention to its centuries of history.
Forcett Hall, which is approximately 6.5miles from Darlington, is a privately owned Grade I-listed country house dating from the Elizabethan period.
The estate includes a small park and several nearby Grade II-listed buildings, including a dovecote and stable block dating from the late 18th century.
Throughout its history, Forcett Hall has been home to High Sheriffs of Yorkshire, MPs and Earls.
The Shuttleworth family owned the estate from 1582 for more than 200 years, using Forcett Hall as their primary residence following its redesign in 1740.
A large fire had damaged the house in 1726, and architect Daniel Garrett led its redevelopment, completed in 1740.
He had previously worked on the Mausoleum at Castle Howard and later worked on Raby Castle near Bishop Auckland.
Garrett's work transformed Forcett Hall to the Palladian style used in the early 18th century. Its north entrance was redesigned to resemble an Italian villa.
The Michell family bought the estate in 1785 and their descendants kept it until 1938. It was then sold to the Heathcote family and also began hosting private events.
Forcett Hall was placed on the market for £5.5 million in 2011. The asking price was later reduced to £4 million because the property needed refurbishment.
Businesswoman Karen Stephenson, who also owns Kirkby Fleetham Hall near Northallerton, bought Forcett Hall in 2021.
Forcett Hall began operating as a private-hire venue for weddings and events in 2024.
The estate website said its aim involves: “honouring its remarkable heritage while offering an extraordinary setting.”
Wedding bookings run from one day to a full weekend and cost £9,000 to £12,000.
The venue can host up to 250 guests. Larger events can use outdoor marquees on the grounds, doubling the guest capacity.
Chloe Shearer booked Forcett Hall for her October 2026 wedding and shared images of herself, Mr Young and their families celebrating.
Several former Newcastle United players were in attendance.
The wedding has renewed interest in a property that has been a family home, events venue and television location.
Forcett Hall remains privately owned and is available for weddings and other events.