Sudeley celebrates its American links

On the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, establishing the United States of America, Sudeley Castle & Gardens is celebrating its strong US connections with a self-guided QR-enabled exhibition; The American Connection.

Visitors will be able to scan a series of QR codes within the exhibitions area and Sudeley’s Library, accessing commentary content about items from Sudeley’s collection that have a link with America to act as a digital companion to physical displays.

The American Connection reveals the many monarchs associated with the castle with ties to the US, including George III, the last King of America. The exhibition also delves into the collection of American autographs amassed by Emma Dent, Victorian chatelaine of the castle, including leaders and generals of the American Civil War and revered American poets and intellectuals.

Sudeley’s current owner, Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe, is American born, with both sides of her family emigrating to Virginia in the early days of the American colonies. Now Sudeley’s longest-serving chatelaine in its 1000-year history, in her 50 plus years as custodian Lady Ashcombe has established Sudeley as one of England’s most beloved historic houses. She has endeavoured to share its history, romance and beauty with thousands of visitors annually from the UK and abroad.

'The American Connection exhibition was inspired by the enthusiasm and curiosity generated through American visitors enjoying bespoke, behind-the-scenes visits to Sudeley,’ explains Lady Ashcombe. ‘These guests were fascinated by the unique story of an American family living in a historic English castle, the Dent-Brocklehurst family's enduring British heritage and the remarkable American connections woven throughout the castle, its collections and its history.’

The exhibition will be launch in time for 4^th July with plans to read the Declaration of Independence on the day and raise a ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ in honour of the momentous date in American history. ‘As America marks its 250th anniversary, the exhibition celebrates the enduring ties between our two nations and invites guests to discover the people, stories and shared history that link them,’ adds Lady Ashcombe.

The American Connection is a free exhibition (general admission fees apply) and visitors can simply join Sudeley’s guest Wi-Fi at the Visitor centre or at the start of the exhibitions area to follow the exhibition on their mobile phones.