Category: Midlands

National Trust
Wightwick Manor is one of the finest surviving examples of a house furnished under the influence of the Victorian Arts and Crafts Movement. Thought built in the late nineteenth century, it is designed to look like a late medieval house, with its external black-and-white timbering and small-paned leaded windows. The eastern half, which was built later, is the more richly decorated, with stripes, swirls and quatrefoils, said to be in the style of Tudor buildings of the Welsh Marches.
Inside, the house has a more or less medieval-style interior, with all the latest 19th century conveniences. The contents, collected at various periods in the house’s history, include Pre-Raphaelite art and other collectibles from the Victorian period.
The formal gardens and grounds of 19 acres include two lakes, a vegetable garden and woodland.
Wightwick Manor (pronounced “Wittick”), inside and out, is a must-see for fans of Victorian art, design and architecture.

A few miles away I stumbled on the “Tudor House” at Histons Hill, Oaken, by the side of a busy road. It looks as if it has been crumbling there since the Tudor period, but in fact was built during the 20th century by the architect KH Smith, using timbers from several ancient buildings.

National Trust.
On a trip to Wales I could not resist temptation to follow the National Trust sign to Shugborough. Not such a great idea – it’s really an all-day destination, and too far from the M6 for a coffee stop. £3 fee for parking. 2 hours later, rejoined the M6.
There’s plenty to see and do – I just had a coffee and walked around the grounds. I managed to see almost all the Grade 1 listed garden monuments. The Hall has a columned portico, which looks impressive. There is also a courtyard with museums, and a walled garden. The size of the park is such that a shuttle service is laid on to transport visitors from the vicinity of the reception to the house.
Visitors should note that the estate is managed by Staffordshire County Council. Only the house and gardens are free to NT members.
In June 2013 I made a second visit – this time to the house only. The central section of the mansion was built in 1694 with the wings added in 1748. Further extensions were made in 1790-1806. The ground floor contains some fine interiors, also a number of interesting artefacts from China and elsewhere. The State Dining Room is one of the most impressive Rococo rooms in England, with a set of wall paintings of ruins, and an elaborate plasterwork ceiling. The Blue Drawing Room contains some significant china collected by George Anson, including a pair of very fine barrel seats, intended to be filled with pot-pourri. The Red Drawing Room contains fine furnishings including large mirrors and pier glasses.
Upstairs a number of rooms are being refitted to commemorate the connection of Lord Lichfield (Patrick Lichfield), the famous society photographer. Many examples of his photographs are on show as is some of his equipment.