Earl's name above door of stately home

There surely could not be a more fitting candidate to have his name immortalised at Wentworth Woodhouse.
The Pike Division of the Sealed Knot Marquess of Newcastles Regiment. Simon Wright is carrying the red flagThe Pike Division of the Sealed Knot Marquess of Newcastles Regiment. Simon Wright is carrying the red flag
The Pike Division of the Sealed Knot Marquess of Newcastles Regiment. Simon Wright is carrying the red flag

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust's Make Your Mark In History Appeal gives everyone the chance to leave their name in the roof for centuries, for a minimum of £50.

Thomas Wentworth, the 1st Earl of Strafford, will feature on a slate to be placed over the east front of the stately home during repairs.

Simon Wright, from Thorpe Hesley, current chairman of the Sealed Knot, and wife Liz in costume at a 17th-century living history camp staged at Pontefract Armed Forces DaySimon Wright, from Thorpe Hesley, current chairman of the Sealed Knot, and wife Liz in costume at a 17th-century living history camp staged at Pontefract Armed Forces Day
Simon Wright, from Thorpe Hesley, current chairman of the Sealed Knot, and wife Liz in costume at a 17th-century living history camp staged at Pontefract Armed Forces Day
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Hundreds have taken up the opportunity, from couples staging weddings in the grand rooms to local families and businesses.

But the most illustrious name to feature has to be that of the Earl, whose father William resided at Wentworth Woodhouse in the 16th and 17th centuries.

His name has been put forward by the Sealed Knot, who are in talks to stage an event at Wentworth Woodhouse. The society strives to give accurate depictions of life in the 17th century and thousands of members re-enact battles from the 1642 to 1651 English Civil Wars.

Simon Wright, a retired IT teacher from Thorpe Hesley, is chair of the Sealed Knot in its Marquess of Newcastle's Regiment.

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The Marquess of Newcastle was born in Handsworth and lived at Bolsover and Welbeck.

'He was a personal friend of the Earl of Strafford and was Charles's general in the North,' said Simon, aged 61, who joined the regiment at 16 and through it met his wife, Liz.

'Thomas Wentworth was a major figure in the lead up to the English Civil War. He was Lord Deputy of Ireland, was a supporter of King Charles I and one of his leading advisors,' added Simon, who taught at Winterhill and Rawmarsh.

To sponsor a slate in the appeal, go to www.Wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk or contact [email protected]

For details on the Sealed Knot, go to www.thesealedknot.org.uk