Call For Volunteers At Brodsworth Hall
Stewards needed as English Heritage prepares to unveil four new rooms
One of South Yorkshire’s major tourist attractions is calling for more volunteer stewards as it prepares to open up four rooms that have never before been seen by the public this Easter. Two bedrooms, the Aga kitchen and adjoining scullery will be opened at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, near Doncaster, in March 2008. The country house is managed by English Heritage on behalf of the nation.
English Heritage is calling on anyone interested in becoming a steward at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens to get in touch.
This week English Heritage experts are putting the finishing touches to a magnificent mahogany ‘half tester’ - or canopied - bed dating from 1863 that will have pride of place in one of the bedrooms being opened up. The bed dates back to when Brodsworth was built and was supplied by Lapworth's of Bond Street, in London, which was one of the first companies to provide a complete furnishing service for style-conscious Victorian home owners. It is one of hundreds of objects that will be on show in the new rooms when they are unveiled.
Volunteer stewards play a key role guiding visitors around the house and bringing to life the individual story of each room. They can also participate in research projects at Brodsworth during the winter months when it is closed to the public.
Irene Brook, a volunteer at the Hall since 1995, said: “I love my time at Brodsworth. It’s very satisfying to be able to explain the history of the Hall to visitors and share our enthusiasm about it. We like to show people that this is not a museum piece – it’s a home, where all around you can see a mix of objects, some that many of us will remember from our own childhood, alongside other pieces like the bed, which dates back several generations in the life of the Hall and the family who lived here.”
Crosby Stevens, English Heritage Curator, added: “Our volunteers play a crucial role at Brodsworth. We couldn’t function without them. They help us to tell the story of how the process of continuity, adaptation and change has shaped the history of the Hall and its contents. Next season, with four new rooms for the public to explore, we’re expecting a lot of additional interest in this remarkable property.”
If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Brodsworth Hall, please call English Heritage on 01302 722598.
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens will be open to the public from 21 March 2008.
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