NETHER SILTON, North Riding
Cryptic Stone SE 456 922

In 1765, Squire Hicks erected a 7 feet high stone with a cryptic inscription which may have referred to his former house. Each letter being the initial letter of a word. The mnemonic could read:
Here The Grand Old Manor House Stood
The Black Beams Were Oak, The Walls Were Good
The Walls At The East Wing Are Hidden Here
A Thatched Cottage Like A Barn Was Here Erected Year
Anno Domini 1765
A Wide Arch Spans A Yard And Alcove
Here The Grand Old Manor House Stood
The Black Beams Were Oak, The Walls Were Good
The Walls At The East Wing Are Hidden Here
A Thatched Cottage Like A Barn Was Here Erected Year
Anno Domini 1765
A Wide Arch Spans A Yard And Alcove
Silton Hall Tower SE 454 9

In 1838, Colonel Hicks made additions to Silton Hall including an octagonal tower with Gothic windows. Hicks was in the Light Dragoons and fought at the battle of Waterloo.