Historic visitor attraction Shuttleworth is set to celebrate 150 years of Shuttleworth House with a free public event later this month.

The special anniversary event will take place on Sunday 17 May from 10am to 4pm and will give visitors the chance to explore the historic mansion and learn more about its rich history.

Shuttleworth House was designed by Victorian architect Henry Clutton after businessman Joseph Shuttleworth, of agricultural engineering firm Clayton & Shuttleworth, purchased the Old Warden estate in the 1870s. The first stone of the Jacobean-style mansion was laid by Caroline Shuttleworth on 17 May 1876.

To mark the milestone anniversary, visitors will be able to enjoy a new exhibition titled Shuttleworth House Through the Ages, charting the story of the house from its Victorian origins through to the present day.

The exhibition explores the rise of Clayton & Shuttleworth, the lifestyle of the Shuttleworth family during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and the mansion's role as a convalescent home during both World Wars.

It also looks at the later creation of Shuttleworth College and The Shuttleworth Trust, and how the site evolved into the popular heritage and events venue known today.

Guided tours of the house will also be available for £15 per person, offering visitors a closer look at the architecture, décor and personal stories connected to the estate.

A commemorative tree planting ceremony involving invited dignitaries will take place during the day, continuing a long-standing Shuttleworth family tradition of marking special occasions with additions to the estate grounds.

advertisement

Families and younger visitors will also be able to take part in a range of interactive activities including colouring sheets, tile trails, puzzles and a "Find the Ducks" challenge around the house.

Hands-on experiences will include traditional napkin folding and flag signalling lessons inspired by the Shuttleworth family's historic interest in yachting.

Rhys Horan, Operations Manager at Shuttleworth, said: "As we commemorate 150 years of Shuttleworth House, we're not only honouring its past but also celebrating everyone who has shaped its story, especially the staff and volunteers who bring it to life today. This milestone gives us a wonderful chance to look back with pride and look ahead with excitement for what's to come."

As part of the celebrations, volunteers are also appealing for members of the public to share photographs and memories connected to Shuttleworth House between 1946 and 1990, particularly from former staff members or students linked to Shuttleworth College.

The anniversary event is free to attend, although separate admission tickets are required to visit the Shuttleworth Collection and Swiss Garden.