Worksop: Mr Straw’s House celebrates 20th anniversary

Worksop residents are being encouraged to visit what is fast becoming a hidden gem, despite being open to the public for 20 years.

The National Trust opened up Mr Straw’s House as a visitor attraction two decades ago depicting a house and family life in the 1920s.

Visitor numbers have suffered more recently and now, during its 20th anniversary, residents are being encouraged to make a trip.

Danielle Brown, house and visitor manager, said people often plan to visit but sometimes never get round to it.

“We are trying to encourage more of the local community to visit,” she said.

“The older generation remember the Straws and know of them so visit, but it’s the next generation we are trying to attract, who don’t have memories of the brothers.”

From the outside, the semi-detached home on Blyth Grove looks like any other Worksop home.

But stepping inside, visitors are taken back to 1923, with original decoration, clothes, food and furniture.

The property was the home of the Straws, a grocer family.

When William Snr died, his wife Florence did not touch his things. When she passed away, her sons William and Walter, kept the house exactly how it was and left it to the National Trust when they died.

The National Trust also runs the house next door, which has a museum room, featuring some of the family’s belongings, and a coffee shop.

Volunteers are needed to lead tours in the house on Friday and Saturday. For more information about how to volunteer call 01909 482380.

Tours run from 11am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday.

The Friends of Mr Straw’s House run events in the house’s orchard on the first Saturday of each month. Last weekend visitors enjoyed tea and cake in the glorious sunshine.

Get the Worksop Guardian for just 71p a week when you subscribe - a saving of 25%. Call 0844 9916464 or click on this link www.subscriptionline.co.uk/WGU

Related topics: