There are days at Beaudesert that feel a little different. Yesterday was one of them.
We welcomed the Marquis of Anglesey, Charles Alexander Vaughan Paget, whose family called Beaudesert home for generations, back to these grounds to unveil nine new heritage information boards, dotted across the full 120 acres of the site. Made possible by a generous grant from Cannock Chase National Landscape, they tell the story of this remarkable place properly for the first time. It felt, when it finally happened, exactly right.
The morning began with Bob Marsh and John Hill, our resident history experts, delivering a talk that had every guest completely captivated. If you've never been on one of their monthly guided history walks of the grounds, consider this your sign.
Then came the moment we'd all been waiting for. The Marquis of Anglesey and Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, officially unveiled the first board together. Standing on the same ground his ancestors once called home, the Marquis brought a sense of occasion that no amount of planning could have manufactured.
Professor Barnes, who has spent her entire career in education, perhaps said it best: "I have worked in education all of my career so I am always very grateful of anywhere that offers experiences for our young people, especially when you hear about the disadvantaged and disabled children that we are supporting not only in Staffordshire, but also from further afield."
Every school group, scout troop and visitor who walks these grounds from now on gets to understand the incredible story of the place they're standing in. History and outdoor adventure, it turns out they go hand in hand. For me personally, the best part of the day was simple, getting to meet people who cared about Beaudesert as much as I do. This place has a way of doing that.
A huge thank you to Cannock Chase National Landscape, to Bob and John, and to our wonderful guests for making it such a special day. If you'd like to see the boards for yourself, Bob and John run guided history walks once a month, details on our website and socials. Or if you're a school, scout group or organisation thinking about a visit, we'd love to have you. The kettle is always on.
