It has been some years since we visited the extensive Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire.
It has been in the same family for generations, the most recent famous inhabitant being the acclaimed photographer Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield. His close connection to the Royal Family through the Bowes Lyon family of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother gave him access to the royals & his photographs of them are well known.
The Anson line at Shugborough stretches way back to 1624 & the 2 brothers, Thomas & George. George spent 4 years circumnavigating the globe. They started off with 7 ships & returned with just 1 after the trials & tribulations of the voyages.
The Wind House was particularly lovely with beautiful stained glass windows & doors on either side which would have given stunning view out over the estate.
The downstairs life of servants, footmen, butlers, ladies maids, scullery maids etc is always interesting. The wages they were paid were set out with the actual names of those who worked at the estate (information from census records) and their wages details given. For many, life at the estate was good with food & accommodation secured. They would have had better jobs than others working on farms etc.
It is a fascinating place with strong oriental influences from their travels, the Chinese house dating back to 1747. It is a much photographed feature with its red oriental bridge in the foreground.
Lord Lichfield's apartments are no photography allowed space but it is a fascinating glimpse in to that time & his influence on photography.
I am glad we returned to it, another visit in the spring perhaps?
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Dee 🧹🏡🪑⛲️🏞️
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