Ickworth Lives

Kitchen maids preparing cakes in the basement kitchen at Ickworth © NT/Philip Mynott

Come and see the maids preparing cakes in the basement kitchen

© NT/Philip Mynott

Introduction

It had long been our ambition to convert the basement of the Rotunda back to its condition in 1910. Ickworth Lives, a project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and your donations, is doing just that.

Opening in March 2012, we invite you to discover the real lives of those who lived and worked in this party house in the 1930s.

This section of the page features an image gallery, so if you're using a screen reader you may wish to jump to the main content.

How the basement looks now

Your memories

Mrs Crane returned to Ickworth standing next to the range in the basement kitchen © National Trust

Do you have a memory of Ickworth to share?

Did you work here from 1910 to 1939, or do you know someone who did?

We'd love to hear from you.

Storytelling volunteers

Volunteer storyteller showing a group the basement at Ickworth © Jonathan Rhodes

Come and help us bring the basement to life with storytelling guided tours

© Jonathan Rhodes

The Ickworth Lives project is creating new volunteer roles to support our visitors' enjoyment. Our house, garden and park are looking for story telling volunteers to bring the estate to life.

Imagine you live in the 1930s and you work in the basement. Would you like to bring our stories to life for visitors, celebrating the people behind the scenes who made Ickworth what it was?

Room guides

Living history costumed volunteer at Ickworth, Suffolk © Jo Sweetman

As a room guide you could join the volunteer family at Ickworth

© Jo Sweetman

Room guides are an interesting role at Ickworth and are the vital link in helping people to really enjoy their visit.

Do you think you could bring the estate to life, informing and inspiring our visitors to learn more about the stories that make Ickworth what it is today. Help us to make someone's day.