Following the year where we all stayed at home, Mr Straw’s House in Worksop is slowly waking up, as the National Trust prepares to reopen one of its quirkiest property for visitors.
When the head of the family, local grocer William Straw senior, passed away suddenly in 1932, time stood still. When the house was purchased a decade earlier, William’s wife, Florence had chosen wallpaper, carpets and furniture of the time, to decorate her family’s home and almost a hundred years later, they remain.
Florence passed away in 1939, leaving sons William junior and Walter to take ownership of the Edwardian house on Blyth Grove, a mile from Worksop town centre.
One of the Trust’s more unusual properties – and all the more fascinating for it – the conservation charity is preparing to once again welcome visitors to step back in time, marvel at the décor and learn about the family’s history through more than 30,000 items from the historic collection.
Few mod cons made it over the threshold following the deaths of Walter and William junior’s parents. Both brothers continued to live in the house, making minimal changes to the decoration or display of their family possessions eventually leaving it in the care of the National Trust in 1990.
After being closed for more than a year, staff at the property are preparing to once again welcome visitors to an ordinary house, with an extraordinary story.
Torri Crapper, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager, said: “We’re really conscious of the need to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our visitors. We’ve taken precautions to ensure a trip back in time at Mr Straw’s House can be both fun and covid secure.”
The property plans to welcome visitors back in groups of four, from the same household, with breaks between visits to ensure thorough cleaning can take place in all public spaces.
Torri added: “It’s been a year none of us could have predicted and we’re aware of the shift in visitor expectations. We’re really excited to finally open our doors again and share the remarkable stories of the Straw family.”
Mr Straw’s House will reopen to the public on the 20th May. Tours are self-guided and limited to one household per booking time, for a maximum of 4 people. Visits are by pre-booking only, via the Mr Straw’s House website – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mr-straws-house
Posted on 07 May 2021
