Shugborough

Situated on the banks of the River Sow and on the northern wooded fringes of Cannock Chase, the ancient estate of Shugborough is today not only the family seat of the Earls of Lichfield but also a portal to the past. Guides and recreated characters greet you at every turn, eager to answers questions about the vast collections of china, silver, furniture and paintings in the mansion or, in the servants' quarters for example, to describe the workaday tasks of a Victorian washerwoman.

We began our tour with the mansion and gardens. Kassie was feeling a wee bit under the weather, so we took turns escorting her around the grounds. Particularly impressive within the house are the beautiful plasterwork ceilings and collections of fine porcelain. Outside, the formal gardens and terraces are immaculate and the daffodils lining the river as far as the eye can see beautiful. The medieval packhorse bridge, one side of which still exists, forms part of the gardens and provided some entertainment for Kassie, as we passed under and around it numerous times.

Bedeviled by a couple of questions, I spent a good hour in the servants' quarters, studying the impressive collection of coaches, speaking with kitchen staff on the Victorian diet, and touring the recreated schoolroom, wet and dry laundry, and 19th-century Victorian Street Market, complete with a puppeteer's shop. I'll have to entice Kassie to join me next time we visit.

We missed the Georgian park farm with its dairy and rare breeds of farm animals, the historic watermill, Chinese house and gardens, Anson brewery, and 400-odd acres of walks and trails, including the eight major monuments located throughout the grounds.

Obviously yet another visit is required.

Accompanied By: Agnes and Robert Kardos
Date of Our Last Visit: April 2005