A diverse new series of lunchtime presentations for 2009.

Shugborough covers much more than the historic and authentic presentation of gardening, farming, milling, dairying, housekeeping, cooking, laundering, brewing and estate management processes: in its heyday it was also a centre for art, architecture, design and ideas.

We introduce a new series of speakers who have studied Shugborough from various points of view and are now anxious to share their knowledge with you. Talks will be presented in the Saloon (in the Mansion House) starting at 1330 on the 1st Wednesday of each month April – October during the season. The 30-45 minute talks with visual aids may be followed in some cases by more extended visits to locations in the House or Estate for practical demonstrations (in the latter case the presentations will not continue beyond 1500). If you are intending to take lunch beforehand please ensure that you do so from 1200, and be in your seats in the Saloon shortly after 1300: the talks are popular, accommodation is limited to 40 persons, and unfortunately when the seating is full or if you are late you will be turned away. Talks are free for all Season Pass Holders, National Trust members, and ticket holders.

Dates for your diary

06 May 2009
Bruce Braithwaite
“Shugborough at war – a look at times when life here wasn’t quite so peaceful”

Bruce is a very well-known local lecturer with a diverse range of historical, archaeological and industrial archaeology subjects. He is the author of “Ripples of Time”, which explored history along the course of the River Sow, and “When the war came to Seighford”, the story of a local RAF airfield. After a career in local government administration, during which he stayed relatively sane by spending weekends as an archaeologist at the Stafford Castle excavations, he escaped to spend twelve years working in the 17th Century world of Izaak Walton’s Cottage at Shallowford.

Bruce will talk about how the Civil War, the adventures of Admiral George Anson, the Great War and World War II have each played a part in Shugborough’s history. The talk will span the years from feuding Shugborough alehouse keepers to the 2nd World War prisoner of war camp and the 4th Earl’s service in the Home Guard.

03 June 2009
Margaret George
“A History of Herbal Medicines and Uses”

Margaret is a well-known local historian/lecturer with a particular interest in the study of Medieval landscape. In addition she has researched on household herbal uses of the past, and has qualifications in complementary medicine.

The talk will address the time when people did not have the benefit of modern medicine, most relied on herbal treatments, and a large household, such as Shugborough, would have made its own herbal preparations. Herbs and wild plants were also used for cheese flavouring and transport, for culinary dishes, cosmetics, household cleaning and magic potions.

01 July 2009
Zac Titterton, Farm Manager
“Rare breeds at Shugborough”

Zac has been involved in the successful and ongoing Longhorn breeding programme. The talk will also include the successful restocking of younger cattle for home-grown free-range beef; the consolidation of the poultry breeding programme and possible egg sales; extending the Southdown and Shropshire flocks of sheep; consolidation of the Tamworth breeding programme and researching possible stocking with other pig breeds; the successful Exmoor Pony programme; the delight of family visitors to the farm; RBST membership; the parkland and estate plan, including eradication of Phytophthora; the Oak Tree Farm project; and plans for a retail outlet. Zac will give a conducted tour of Shugborough Park Farm and the estate parkland after the talk, with a commentary on conservation, stewardship and other farming issues.

05 August 2009
Peter Shilston
“Admiral George Anson: a great sailor, politician and war leader”

Peter is a well-known local historian who gives very detailed presentations on historical, topographical, political and military subjects. He will take us around the world with George Anson, who besides being a famous admiral was a war leader during the 7 Years War, and was interested in naval, governmental, and foreign political matters.

02 September 2009
Clive Cartlidge (John Vickerstaff – Usher)
“Life in the Servants’ Quarters”

Clive has interpreted the Usher John Vickerstaff in the first person for several years. He describes his character as follows: “My name is John Vickerstaff and I have worked on the estate for many years. As a younger man I worked on the farm where I did most things, but I particularly liked working with the horses. Now I’m getting old and a bit creaky, his Lordship has given me a job as an usher, which means that I load and unload the bags onto the carriages, fetch and carry, and make sure any guests to the Mansion House are received promptly by the correct person. I am proud to work for the Anson family, as they have treated me well, especially in my older years. (He thinks it’s 1871! - You will usually find him in the Servants' Quarters).”

After a brief introduction in the Saloon there will be a tour of the Servants’ Quarters and Coach House, with commentary.

07 October 2009
Joe Hawkins, Head Gardener
“Autumn in the gardens”
As Head Gardener, Joe is one of our regular speakers. This time he will discuss garden developments during 2008/2009. There will be a short tour afterwards to see the beautiful autumn colours and to illustrate the points he has made during the presentation.

Programme arranged by Dr John Wilcock