Staff at Shugborough Hall celebrate one year since opening
An historic Staffordshire estate built in 1694 has celebrated its first anniversary of being opened by the National Trust.
Shugborough Hall, located near Great Haywood east of Stafford, was opened in March 2017 after being taken over in November 2016.
The estate marked its opening anniversary on Wednesday with a special day of talks and behind the scenes tours for visitors.
Speaking ahead of its one year anniversary, Shugborough general manager Hayley Mival said: "This day is a thank you to everyone who has supported the estate in its first year.
"Everything from scanning your card on entry and buying a treat from the shop has helped us succeed in our first year."
The trust has leased the hall to Staffordshire County Council since 1966 but took back control over a year ago.
Since being taken back by the trust, the estate has seen more than 180,000 visitors in its first year of opening.
The trust has signed up more than 2,000 members and sold more than 125,000 hot drinks and scones.
Its farm has received RSPCA Freedom Foods accreditation and worked with to create its play area called Explorer’s Wood.
Jenni Holsey, visitor experience manager, said: "We have had an incredible first year and have achieved so much, and we could not have done it without the support of our visitors and the hard work of our team.
"Our visitor numbers have surpassed our expectations as we have welcomed 177000 people through our gates.
"We hope that they will continue to support us and enjoy the exciting future developments we have in store."
