Shugborough Hall to reveal the life of an earl

Visitors to Staffordshire's famous Shugborough Hall will get their first ever look at the private living quarters of the Queen's late cousin Lord Patrick Lichfield.

National Trust bosses have decided to open up eight rooms which once belonged to the photographer, who died of a stroke in 2005, on March 18.

The display will almost double the area of the house which is now available for the public to explore.

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An eight-strong team of volunteers has been working since September last year to prepare for the big day.

Lord Lichfield used to escape back to Shugborough from the rat race in London at weekends and Staffordshire County Council has now signed the deal with his family to sub-lease the apartments on the estate.

Among the rooms that will be thrown open to the public will be the bird room, which includes several stuffed exotic birds dating back to the 19th century, guest bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and two lavishly decorated sitting rooms.

The rooms have been carefully redecorated to match their original decor, which was designed by such famous designers as David Mlinaric and Joseph Rose.

Aside from demonstrating Lord Lichfield's wealth, the displays are being arranged to give an insight into his life, personality and interests.

The best example of this at the moment is the green sitting room, which is the only room to be completed at the moment.

The room has been kitted out with old newspapers dating back to the years immediately before his death, as well as personal artefacts including a beloved camera of his, a pair of his spectacles, and even two toy balls for dogs.

Product development officer at Shugborough, Corrinne Caddy, said: "You rarely saw Lord Lichfield without his dog Drum.

"We are trying to create the sense that he has just stepped out of the room. It has taken a lot of thought, especially as it is the first one we have completed.

"We are trying to show a family home that was lived in by gentry in the 21st century before he died."

The room also contains a mixture of photographs taken by him, including striking shots of Princess Anne and Kate Bush, and pictures of him with friends and family, including former partner Britt Ekland.

Visitors will also get to explore 'probably the most important room in the house' - the boudoir - which was used as a sitting room.

It contains original silver leaf wall paper, made in 1794, which Corrinne described as 'a national treasure' as well as the only hand-painted ceiling in the house. This room has been deliberately left unfurnished.

Other historic rooms that will be opened in March will include the lilac bedroom which Lord Lichfield's sister Elizabeth lived in as a child and the yellow bedroom, which includes a particularly long bed and a high doorway.

This room was reportedly where supermodels slept during visits for photo shoots, because its dimensions catered for taller people.

Shugborough is now owned by the National Trust and maintained by the leaseholder, Staffordshire County Council.