Silsoe had many inns including "The White Hart", "The Ragged Staff", "Duke of Kent's Arms", "The Bell", "The Battle of Alma" (or known as "The Mouse's Hole" in West End Road), "Lord Nelson" (Newbury Lane). Now only the "George" and "Star and Garter" in the High Street remain. During the First World War Wrest House was used as a military hospital until 1916 when the house was damaged by fire. Lady Lucas, the last member of the de Grey dynasty, sold the House and estate before an auction that was to have been held at the Mart, Tokenhouse Yard, London EC2 on 17 July 1917.