THE MAN responsible for East Riddlesden Hall and all its historic contents has retired after 28 years.

House steward Mike Freeman has been a familiar sight to visitors to the National Trust manor house and its grounds for almost three decades.

The house steward role began as little more than a caretaker but over the years grew massively as the National Trust developed the hall as a major tourist attraction.

East Riddlesden Hall originally opened only during the summer months but in recent years has expanded to include winter weekend and holiday openings.

Mike had to ensure that everything remained in perfect condition, from the hall and its barns to every piece of furniture and hundreds of smaller items on display to the public.

He could call on experts when any of the furnishings, furniture or household items needed specialist conservation or preservation.

Mike, who was originally from Bridlington and served in the Army, lived in a bungalow at the entrance to the grounds, off Bradford Road.

He locked up the hall for the last time on February 22.

Jackie Waters, the hall’s conservation assistant, said Mike knew every detail of the thousands of items in the hall’s collection.