A remarkable semi-detached house in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, has taken centre stage in the latest instalment of the National Trust's acclaimed Back When History Podcast. The episode, titled 'The House Where Time Stood Still', offers an intimate audio tour of the extraordinary property at 7 Blyth Grove, known as Mr Straw's House.
A Deliberate Preservation of the Past
Acquired by the National Trust in 1990 as its first small domestic property, Mr Straw's House stands as a profound historical time capsule. The rooms, furnishings, and everyday objects within its walls have remained largely untouched since the 1920s, creating a rare and authentic window into early 20th-century life.
The podcast invites listeners to uncover the story of the Straw family, who made a conscious and deliberate choice to preserve a way of life that was rapidly vanishing elsewhere. As the modern world accelerated around them, the family clung to familiar routines, cherished possessions, and traditional interiors.
A Virtual Visit During Essential Maintenance
Mr Straw's House is currently closed to the public while a vital winter cleaning and conservation programme is undertaken. This new podcast episode provides a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts and the curious to maintain a connection with the property and its narratives during this temporary closure.
Danielle Lander-Brown, Senior House and Collections Officer, emphasised the unique atmosphere of the home. "Mr Straw's House feels like stepping into another time," she said. "This podcast gives people the chance to experience the quiet details of the house and the fascinating story of the family, even while its doors are closed. It's a wonderful way to understand why this ordinary-looking home is anything but ordinary."
Future Visiting Information
The property is scheduled to reopen to visitors on Thursday, March 5. Following its reopening, it will be accessible to the public on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year, with additional Saturday openings in September and October. Visitors are advised that bookings can be made up to four weeks in advance.
The podcast episode, 'The House Where Time Stood Still', is available now and can be accessed through the Back When History Podcast on all major podcast platforms, offering a compelling auditory journey into this preserved piece of domestic history.
