Mr Straw’s House

About

Most National Trust properties inspire thoughts of historic mansions, wealth and grandeur. However, tucked away in a private cul-de-sac in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, you’ll find Mr Straw’s House; the National Trust’s first small domestic property, acquired in 1990.
William Straw moved to Worksop in 1886, to work for his brother Benjamin at his grocers. He later bought the shop and set up on his own. A decade later, aged 32, William married Florence and they had three sons: William Jr, Walter and David, who died in infancy. In 1923, the family moved from the flat above the shop to fashionable Blyth Grove. Florence chose wallpaper, carpets and furniture of the time and filled the house with ornaments and elegant glassware. Sadly, William Straw Sr died suddenly in 1932 and from that day, little changed in the house. After the passing of Florence, neither son saw the need for any modifications and as the world around them changed with accelerating vigour, William and Walter Straw carried on as they always had done.
A true step back in time, come and discover more of the family who refused to modernise. Visitors can spend time in the display rooms learning more about the stories of the family and take a glimpse at some of the collection that is usually hidden in drawers and cupboards. There is also the opportunity to chat with the Collections & House team about how they care for over 30,000 treasured possessions and ordinary domestic items that can still be seen exactly where their owners left them.