Sledmere House

11:20am Saturday 19th July 2008

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What is it? Sledmere House, a stately home that Sir Christopher Sykes extended and redecorated in the 1780s and 1790s. It was gutted by a fire in 1911 but, through careful restoration, most people still think of Sledmere House as an 18th century house.

Where is it? Near Driffield, in East Yorkshire. From York, motorists can take the A166, picking up the B1251 at Fridaythorpe to Sledmere. Tel: 01377 236637. Website: www.sledmerehouse.com Why go there? Visitors can learn about the sixth baronet, Sir Mark Sykes (1879-1919), who packed a great deal into a short life. He travelled in the Middle East and wrote Through Five Turkish Provinces and The Caliph’s Last Heritage. He married Edith Gorst and they had six children. Sir Mark was elected MP for Central Hull in 1911 and established the Wagoners’ Special Reserve. During the First World War, he was called to the War Office by Lord Kitchener and helped to forge an Inter-Allied agreement about the Middle East in 1916 called the Sykes-Picot Agreement. While in Paris during the peace conference, Sir Mark contracted influenza and died at the age of 39. He was succeeded at Sledmere by Sir Richard Sykes (1905-1978) who was succeeded by the present owner, Sir Tatton Sykes.

Who were the Wagoners? Recruited from Wolds farms, these men became some of the first British soldiers to go abroad in the First World War, driving the horse-drawn wagons that supplied the troops. There is a museum devoted to them, and their founder Sir Mark Sykes, at Sledmere.

Anything else? Visitors are welcome to share the peace and quiet of the parkland and woodland walks, to wander through the walled garden and parterre and enjoy the beautiful interior of the chapel.

Are there refreshments and toilet facilities? Yes. The Terrace Café serves lunches, snacks and beverages. The gift shop is also worth a visit.

When is it open? Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday (plus bank holidays), until September 28. Grounds, shop and café: 10am to 5pm. House: 11am – last entries 3.30pm How much is it? House and gardens: Adult £6.50, Concessions £6. Child £2.50. Family ticket £14 (two adults and two children 5-16).