The 30-month project will transform the interiors of the Grade I-listed stately home, two miles north of the seaside resort of Bridlington, to how they would have appeared in the year 1900, the heyday of the house.
 
When the Sewerby interiors are restored, visitors and school groups will be able to step back in time and experience the house as it was over a hundred years ago.

They will be able to dress as Edwardian servants or members of ‘the family’, talk to costumed interpreters, try their hand at Edwardian cooking in the restored kitchen, complete with a coal-fired kitchen range, listen to historical piano recitals in the Orangery, play with Edwardian toys in the nursery and saunter through beautifully restored historic rooms.
 
At the end of year one, users of the estate will benefit from a new visitor orientation area, classroom for school groups and estate office, where visitors can talk to Sewerby staff, in the newly restored Old Laundry Block. The restored Laundry Block will become the centre of a visitor hub, which will also include the Clock Tower Tea Rooms and new toilets. A new education programme for school and adult groups will also begin at the end of year one.

Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “For years people have said Sewerby Hall is the jewel in East Riding’s crown, but the quality of the architecture and parkland has been let down by the poorly presented interiors and patchy educational provision. Working with the Heritage Lottery Fund and local volunteers, we intend to put that right and make Sewerby a fascinating, stimulating and informative day out for schools, residents and tourists.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Sewerby Hall is a fine example of a Queen Anne/early Georgian country house and both regionally and nationally significant. This project will enable visitors and locals of all ages to directly experience what life at an English county house was like at the turn of the century - and we are delighted to be able to make the award so that this wonderful heritage can be enjoyed by current and future generations.”

Since 1934, Sewerby Hall has been owned by various councils and enjoyed by generations of residents and holiday makers. Between 1714 and 1936, Sewerby Hall was owned by the Greame family. This family of merchants, military men, clergy and politicians had left behind a beautiful legacy of a fine country house, elegant interiors and fifty acres of inspiring gardens and parkland on a cliff top with extensive sea views over Bridlington Bay.
 
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is committing £1.6m towards the project, from the council’s capital programme, which reflects the importance of this popular cultural attraction for both residents and visitors.

The restoration of the interior of Sewerby Hall is also an important milestone in the master plan for the estate. Other important milestones include the restoration of the lodges and the opening of the new children’s play area. The Sewerby master plan was produced in partnership with residents and users of the estate and was adopted by the council in 2008.

Could you help the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to discover Yorkshire’s enormous heritage potential?

This year HLF is looking to recruit four new committee members to join its Committee for Yorkshire and the Humber. Made up of local people across the region, a place on the committee represents an exciting and challenging opportunity for individuals with a strong commitment to our diverse heritage.

From April all HLF regional committees will have responsibility for awarding grants between £100,000 and £2million and acting as advocates for the value of heritage to modern life at every stage of the grant process. For more information on how to apply, call 0113 388 8030 or email FionaS@hlf.org.uk

Notes to editors

*The HLF grant to the project Sewerby Access is for £949,900 (39 per cent of project costs) and is a second-round pass, which means it is a confirmed award.

To date, HLF has made 339 awards in the East Riding amounting to just under £13.6million.

Further information

Contact Vicky Wilford, HLF press office, on 020 7591 6046 or email vickyw@hlf.org.uk