Shuttleworth House celebrates 150 years with free event

On 17 May 2026, Shuttleworth was delighted to celebrate 150 years of Shuttleworth House with a free event, offering visitors the chance to explore the House and its rich history.

Shuttleworth House Through the Ages exhibition 

Central to the celebration was a special exhibition titled ‘Shuttleworth House Through the Ages’, which guided visitors through the mansion’s varied history. The special exhibition began by exploring the mid-19th-century origins of Clayton & Shuttleworth and the House’s construction in the 1870s and 1880s, before delving into the lifestyle of the Shuttleworth family during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.

It then explored the House’s role as a convalescent home during both world wars, providing care for those affected by the conflicts. After the Second World War, the establishment of Shuttleworth College and The Shuttleworth Trust marked a shift toward education, heritage preservation, and public engagement. Following Dorothy Shuttleworth’s passing, the House continued to adapt, eventually becoming the award-winning wedding and events venue that we know today. The exhibition concluded with a look at the present day and the future, highlighting the Shuttleworth Trust’s ongoing commitment to conservation, education and longevity.

Tree planting ceremony

A tree planting ceremony took place on the day, continuing the Shuttleworth family’s tradition of marking special occasions with additions to the surrounding grounds of the House, with local dignitaries invited to the ceremony.

Chairman of The Shuttleworth Trust Board of Trustees, Tim Routsis did the welcoming address, followed by a speech by Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Charles Whitbread. Princess Xenia and Richard Waldburg, great-granddaughter and great-grandson of Dorothy Shuttleworth, placed soil in the tree planting ceremony with the ceremonial spade, and a plaque was unveiled by Cyril Thomas, former Footman to Mrs Dorothy Shuttleworth. 

Rhys Horan, Operations Manager, commented: "As we commemorate 150 years of Shuttleworth House, we’re not only honouring its past but also celebrating everyone who has shaped its story, especially the staff and volunteers who bring it to life today. This milestone gives us a wonderful chance to look back with pride and look ahead with excitement for what’s to come."