The Buddha on the Farm

A Quiet Pilgrimage here in the North Yorkshire Countryside

We are incredibly lucky to farm on the outskirts of Thirsk - a historic market town known for its independent shops, racecourse and connection to James Herriot. But during the first Covid lockdown, a far more unusual attraction began quietly drawing visitors from across Yorkshire.

A Buddha.

For years beforehand, walkers using the nearby public footpaths had occasionally mentioned spotting a mysterious figure positioned on one of the highest points of the farm, sitting silently amongst the hedgerows and looking out across the countryside. But in 2020, as the world slowed down and people searched for calm, perspective and open space, the Buddha suddenly became something much bigger.

People arrived in droves. Some came out of curiosity. Others returned week after week simply to sit quietly beside him. There was something unexpectedly comforting about the contrast of this serene, cross-legged figure sitting amongst the landscape of a traditional Yorkshire farming estate. The base of the Buddha soon became adorned with everything from jewellery, coins, and sea shells to hand-painted stones, woven treasures and even the occasional pair of sunglasses!

To this day, people still wonder where this Buddha came from, and the significance of his arrival. Now, it is time to tell his story…

The truth is deeply personal.

This farm and the surrounding land as we now know as Newsham, has been in our family for nearly 400 years. Several years ago, my wonderful father, John, passed the reins over to my husband and me to manage.

Just before he handed it down, he sadly lost a great love of his life, Mandy. She had fought cancer for nearly ten years before she passed away. Throughout her life, and especially during her final years, Mandy found great peace in Buddhist practices. Their house was filled with Buddha statues and the scent of burning incense, creating a deeply calming environment for the last chapter of her life.

After she died, my Father decided to move the largest Buddha statue they had to one of the highest points of the farm - not only to enjoy the beautiful North Yorkshire views, but to offer a sense of peace to anyone else who might need it too.

And somehow, it did.

Seeing the solace that this Buddha brought people throughout the turbulent Covid years, and continues to bring today, I truly believe my father's vision has been realised. He has offered peace and calm to everyone who visits him.

It is a brilliant juxtaposition: thousands of miles from its cultural origins, yet perfectly at home amidst the rustling Yorkshire hedgerows. It’s a vivid reminder that peace can be found in the most unlikely of places.

Perhaps that is what makes him feel so special.