In 1722/23 the member of parliament Ralph Bell bought the manor of Thirsk for the sum of £6,300 (equivalent to £1,251,883 in 2023) from the 10th Earl of Derby.

Bell lived in the then new-built home, Thirsk Hall, located on Kirkgate next to St Marys Church.

The house was furnished by Gillows, and the artist Thomas Gainsborough painted portraits of both Bell and Conyers.

[2] In the summer of 2021 the Thirsk Hall Sculpture Park, set in the grounds, was opened to the public.

It has showcased the work of both up and coming and established artists, including Michael Lyons and Zak Ové.