Explore the house at Shugborough

The west view of the Shugborough Mansion on a sunny day — Sunny Shugborough | © Jana Eastwood/2016

Explore the Georgian house at Shugborough, unearth unusual treasures and discover life below stairs in the servants' quarters. Or step into the glamourous apartments of Patrick Lichfield, fashion photographer and 5th Earl of Lichfield.

Exploring the house

Discover the adventures, travels and triumphs of the brothers Thomas and George Anson. Through key pieces in the collection stories are uncovered to evoke the tales of two intrepid brothers. The mansion is open seven days a week 11.00-16.30, with last entry at 16.00.

You can explore the house at your own pace. You’ll be able discover the intrepid journey of George, who was only the second Englishman to circumnavigate the globe aboard his ship the Centurion, and the capture of a Spanish treasure galleon, which ultimately funded much of the Shugborough Estate.

Marvel at the collection developed by Thomas Anson, originally trained in law he gave up the profession to travel the world on the Grand Tour and dedicated his life to the arts.

Children using a mirror to view the ceiling in the Dining Room at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire. | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

The Lichfield apartments

In 1960, Patrick Lichfield inherited Shugborough from his grandfather, the 4th Earl of Lichfield, Thomas Edward Anson. The Lichfield Apartments are open Wednesday- Sunday from 11.00-16.30 with last entry at 16.00.

Photography career

Lord Lichfield established himself as one of the leading professional photographers of the day, under the name of Patrick Lichfield. His remarkable career enabled him to move in social circles photographing and developing close friendships with high profile celebrities and members of the royal family.

Private apartment

Within the house, Patrick Lichfield had a private apartment created where he continued to live along with his three children and played an important role on the estate until his death in 2005. His son, Thomas, is the current Earl of Lichfield.

The servants’ quarters

Explore life below stairs and the servants' quarters and see all aspects of their life. The servants quarters are open Monday-Sunday, 11.00- 16.30, with last entry at 16.00.

Discover the different jobs carried out by the staff below stairs, such as housekeeping and different cooking methods and how this essential and often undervalued hive of activity, supported the Anson family and their estate throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

The enormous original 18th-century kitchen is largely fitted out with 19th-century mod-cons of the time and see the vast collection of copper, bearing the Lichfield mark. The laundry area that is made of two halves; one half was for washing and the other for drying. Step into the servants hall and see where servants gathered to eat once they’d completed all their chores.

The Dry Laundry at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire — The Dry Laundry at Shugborough Estate | © National Trust Images/John Hammond

Accessing the house at Shugborough

The Mansion is approx. a one kilometre walk, through the parkland, from Visitor Reception. We have a buggy service that runs from Visitor Reception to the Mansion.

Mobility trampers are available to hire on a pre-booked basis at no extra cost. To book your tramper please email shugborough@nationaltrust.org.uk.

The Mansion is accessible by stairs. We have a step-climber, but it cannot accommodate motorised wheelchairs. The Lichfeild Apartments are can only be accessed by stairs.