as they take the property back in time to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.
In the orchard it is 1914 and visitors can join in the village fete activities as they celebrate seeing the first boys off to the front. Swingboats, coconut shy and a Recruiting Sergeant… It will all be over by Christmas! However, visit the Hall for the more sombre feel of 1917, as the family receive worrying news from abroad.
The property will be joined by members of Bridgnorth Players and also by historian and broadcaster, Matthew Ward of History Needs You, who will bring a unique look at the activities of significant characters from the estate helping to really bring the history to life.
Visitor Experience and Conservation Manager, Tessa Lovell said “Although there is going to be loads of opportunity to have some fun at this event it is also going to be a poignant way of remembering the effects that the war had on the Estate. We have spent many hours discovering the stories of the people who lived here during this time. There were 10 members of the Quatt Parish who died as a direct result of the war and the family also suffered losses. In our archives we have found many letters home from Captain Geoffrey Wolryche-Whitmore who, although serving on the eastern front, felt frustrated that he didn’t “do his bit” due to his deafness keeping him behind the lines.
“Our family trail ‘Trench Talk’ will be running from 12 noon and gives people the chance to learn some semaphore and Morse code. You can even make semaphore flags to take home! With our WWI exhibition and Battle of the Somme artwork there is much more for our visitors to discover. We do hope that everyone has a great time with us.”
Open 11am – 5.30pm, 24th & 25th August. Normal admission applies with a small charge for trails and activities.
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