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The last Squire of Erddig

The building of Erddig Hall was completed in 1687. The estate passed to the Yorke family in 1733 and remained in their possession until it was gifted to the National Trust in 1973.

The Yorke family was widely known for being slightly unconventional for their time. It is recorded that several were vegetarians and many had a keen interest in hoarding antiquities, many of which can still be seen at the Hall to this day. The last two members of the Yorke family, Simon and Philip, were well known for being reclusive and eccentric.

The last Squire of Erddig was Phillip Yorke. He was born at Erddig Hall in 1905. He had several varied careers ranging from prep school teacher, security guard, tour operator, grounds man and at one point he came very near to joining the priesthood!

When Philip Yorke took on Erddig Hall he was asked to give many lectures about the estate and its history. However, at this time the house was a less than comfortable place to live. It was in need of major structural work and it wasn’t until well into the 20^th century that the family decided to install gas, electricity or mains water. The house was subsiding due to mining that had taken place on the land and Phillip Yorke could not afford the major costs associated with its repair. It was at this time that he decided to donate the Hall and estate to the National Trust.

This was no easy process however. The transfer was eventually completed after well over 6 years! The Squire’s notes kept at the archive centre in Hawarden refer to several disputes with the ‘National Distrust’ as he liked to call them. At one point he writes a note in his diary stating that he was contemplating donating the whole estate to Plaid Cymru! He also accused the Trust of ” carefree abandonment of reason and accuracy when dealing with other peoples money”

The transfer was eventually completed in 1973. The Trust received £120,000 compensation from the National coal board because of the structural damage caused by the mines. The Squire also reluctantly agreed to the sale of part of the estate in order to give the National Trust a start up as regards repairs. This piece of land is known as Coed y Glyn. It was sold in 1973 for £995,000. Local people who knew the Squire personally can attest to the fact that he stated on several occasions that this was the only piece of land he would allow to be sold off.

The intentions of the Squire when he handed over the estate are clear to see from the following quote:

“My only interest for many years has been that this unique establishment for which my family have foregone many luxuries and comforts over seven generations should now be dedicated to the enjoyment of all those who may come here and see a part of our national heritage preserved for all foreseeable time.”

The Squire was very well liked amongst the local people of the area who very much saw him as one of their own. The squire’s fondness of the local people of Wrecsam was clearly demonstrated by a document on display at the Hall for several years. It was written by hand and stated that he was donating the land to the National Trust for perpetuity and that all property on the estate must be for local people.

The Squire died in 1978 and many visitors have passed through the gates of Erddig over the years to enjoy his generosity. For the local people, Erddig holds a very special place in their hearts. Many spend their childhoods roaming the grounds and enjoying the natural beauty that Erddig has to offer, as generations have done before them.

The future the Squire envisaged for Erddig and the estate is known very well locally. He wanted to ensure that the hall and grounds were protected for future generations to enjoy. Many local people have commented that the Squire would be ‘turning in his grave’ if he could see the current plans for his beloved home.

It is now up to the very people who share his love of Erddig to ensure that his vision is realised. The only people who can truly protect Erddig and its surrounding countryside are the local people of Wrecsam, for whom he wished the estate to be kept forever.