'If I know you, you will have a party under any circumstances. About three weeks ago I did my first raid, it was great fun, and I came home on one engine as the flak had tampered with the other one. We had a damned good party that night.”

This exchange took place in April 1942, between George and Christopher Howard, members of the aristocratic family of that name.

Generations of Howard sons served in conflicts throughout history, from the 15th century Wars of the Roses, to the English Civil War, through to the Crimean War, the First and Second World Wars, and the present day.

The family, whose numerous branches are descended from the Tudor Dukes of Norfolk, have lost loved ones on active duty across the globe.

For them, like thousands of other families, the impact of war was often more powerfully felt at home. Bereavement and loss were shared by the family, staff and tenants, many commemorated on war memorials in estate villages.

The Duty Calls exhibition at Castle Howard focuses on the First and Second World Wars. It details how, in 1914, Rosalind, the ninth Countess of Carlisle, refused to let the house be requisitioned by the military, but helped to support the war effort by helping with Belgian relief. She housed dozens of Belgian refugees on the estates in Yorkshire and Cumbria.

Family losses during the conflicts were great: Michael Howard, missing in action, presumed killed at Passchendaele in 1917, Mark Howard, son and heir, killed by shell in July 1944, and his pilot brother Christopher killed just two months later on a bombing mission.

Michael, the youngest son of the ninth earl took a commission in the army, but was forced to change regiments after being reprimanded for being drunk on duty. He died at Passchendaele while serving with the Honourable Artillery Company.

The exhibition forms one of a number across Yorkshire focusing on the country house in time of war. Lotherton Hall, east of Leeds and Newby Hall near Ripon are among them. They are the latest in a series of collaborative projects by Yorkshire Country House Partnership. Some run until the end of this year, but Castle Howard’s display carries on throughout 2014.

Visitors to the house, 15 miles north-east of York, can read letters, diary entries and other documents, and see photographs from the two world wars.

A letter dated December 6, 1912, from the Red Cross, states that the name of Michael Howard, of the Honourable Artillery Company, ‘had not appeared on any German list of captured troops presumed killed in action.’ Telegrams also relay the devastating news of men reported missing. Between 1815 and 1944, five Howards were killed in action.

Other daunting experiences emerge from the journal of James Prest, the youngest son of the Prest family, tenant farmers in Coneysthorpe a village close to the stately home. James was captured during a British attack in France during World War One and kept as a prisoner of war in Belgium. While captive he kept a dairy which documents his day-to-day life there – his work, the weather and above all, his food, or lack of it.

Medals are on display in the exhibition room, which forms part of the official tour around the house, although you can, as we did, chose to walk around at your own pace.

Although the exhibition concentrates on the two world wars, details are included of the family’s involvement in other conflicts: The War of the Roses Battle of Bosworth Field in Leicestershire, when John Howard the first Duke of Norfolk was killed by an arrow in the eye while fighting for Richard lll who was also slain; Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey was the victorious commander of the English forces at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513, defeating the Scots; Lord Howard of Effingham was appointed Lord High Admiral by Queen Elizabeth l, going on to command the English fleet that defeated the armada of 130 Spanish ships in the course of a two-week engagement.

In the Sudan during the Crimean War, Hubert Howard, second son of the ninth earl of Carlisle, was killed at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898, while working as a special reporter for The Times.

Duty calls provide a fascinating and unique insight into the important and sometimes unexpected roles played by country houses and their diverse communities.

Of course, if you are making your first visit to Castle Howard, the exhibition is just one of a number of experiences to thrill visitors to the 18th century house designed by the English architect and dramatist Sir John Vanbrugh.

It is set amid splendid grounds, complete with woodland, lakes, dramatic fountains and a fabulous children’s playground. Gift shops, a farm shop, a cafe and coffee shop are open over the winter season.

Factfile

  • Castle Howard is 15 miles north-east of York just off the A64.
  • For opening times, prices and public transport information, visit castlehoward.co.uk, or call 01653 648333.
  • For further information on Duty Calls, visit ychp.org.uk.