Back to the future as hall set to rediscover Edwardian look

The servants’ quarters, reception rooms and some of the upstairs rooms at Sewerby Hall, near Bridlington, will be restored to how they looked more than a century ago.

Visitors and school groups will in future be able to step back in time, dressing up as Edwardian servants or members of “the 
family”, talk to costumed interpreters and try their hand at Edwardian cooking in the restored kitchen, complete with a coal-fired range.

Sewerby Hall was last occupied in 1934 and the servants’ wing will need the most work as the majority of the original interiors have long gone.

Paintwork will be restored to the original, and cast-iron radiators, chandeliers and standard lamps fitted.

Furniture will be loaned from the V&A Museum in London and paintings from the Sir Trevor Field Trust.

The plan is to hold cookery demonstrations using fruit and veg from the gardens and drawing inspiration from Almary, the mistress of the hall (1723-1812) who gathered 550 recipes from “apricock briskett” to “syllabub cheese” – craft days and costumed guided tours.

The hall will close to the public from Monday next week, when the council’s contractor, William Birch & Sons, starts work on what is the second phase of the £2.6m project.

A council spokesman said: “Work is anticipated to be complete in summer 2014.

“While the hall is closed, visitors can still enjoy the 50-acre site, which includes the pleasure and walled gardens, woodland walk and zoo.

“The new Stables retail and catering unit is fully up and running and visitors can enjoy a Mr Moo’s ice cream, sandwich or coffee in the wonderful sun-trapping courtyard.”

The aim is to increase paid visitor numbers, train up volunteers and get more children coming on school visits.

The Graeme family owned Sewerby Hall for two centuries until it was sold in 1934 to Bridlington Corporation for £45,000.