Sledmere village can be traced back as far as the Domesday Book of 1086.  The parish covers some 7000 acres (2835 ha) and virtually all has been in the ownership of the same family since the early 18th century when it was acquired by wealthy Hull merchant Mark Kirkby and then passed through Mark’s sister into the Sykes Family.  This domination by one family of the landscape and village has resulted in one of the prettiest estate villages in the county. 

Sir Tatton Sykes II built or restored 17 churches during the latter part of the 19th century, mostly on his estates, but the grandest of them must be St Mary’s at Sledmere – “The Cathedral of the Wolds”.

Life in Sledmere still revolves around “The Big House”.  The house is open to the public from Easter to Autumn with numerous special events throughout the year.  There is also a small museum devoted to the Wagoners’ Special Reserve, a band of men raised by Sir Mark Sykes to serve their country in World War I.

A  Country House Estates Trail booklet (funded by The National Lottery) is available for free from the Estate Office in the village.  Armed with this the visitor can truly appreciate and explore the architecture and landscape that is Sledmere.

Find more information at:   

www.sledmerehouse.com  and http://www.yorkshirehistory.com/wagon/index.htm