Historic Wentworth Woodhouse stately home in South Yorkshire turns blue for NHS heroes

One of Europe’s largest stately homes, Wentworth Woodhouse, is turning blue in tribute to the NHS heroes battling the coronavirus crisis.
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The 18th-century country house in Rotherham has been illuminated for the latest Clap For Our Carers round of applause.

In what must be one of the biggest shows of support, the NHS logo was also beamed onto the building’s impressive facade – which is longer than Buckingham Palace.

Wentworth Woodhouse goes blue in tribute to NHS heroes and other key workers on the frontline of the battle against coronavirusWentworth Woodhouse goes blue in tribute to NHS heroes and other key workers on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus
Wentworth Woodhouse goes blue in tribute to NHS heroes and other key workers on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus
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The Grade I-listed mansion, which is undergoing a huge restoration, is closed to the public during the coronavirus crisis and staff at the preservation trust running it have been furloughed.

But they and the trust’s 212 volunteers have been joining the weekly round of applause, which for three employees living on site means stepping onto its manicured lawns.

The house was illuminated by Adam Nicholson, of Manvers, Wath, and Phil Cooper, of Brampton Bierlow, who run DJ and lighting firm PA Entertainments, and regularly light up the house for weddings and events, with Andy Bernard, of Video and Memories, and photographer Joanne Heywood, of Creative Images, capturing the spectacle.

Wentworth Woodhouse goes blue in tribute to NHS heroes and other key workers on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus. Pictured are (front LtoR)  Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust's house officer Oliver White, facilities manager Julie Readman and volunteer Steve Bradley, and (back) PA Entertainments bosses Phil Cooper and Adam Nicholson (pic: Joanne Heywood, of Creative Images)Wentworth Woodhouse goes blue in tribute to NHS heroes and other key workers on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus. Pictured are (front LtoR)  Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust's house officer Oliver White, facilities manager Julie Readman and volunteer Steve Bradley, and (back) PA Entertainments bosses Phil Cooper and Adam Nicholson (pic: Joanne Heywood, of Creative Images)
Wentworth Woodhouse goes blue in tribute to NHS heroes and other key workers on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus. Pictured are (front LtoR) Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust's house officer Oliver White, facilities manager Julie Readman and volunteer Steve Bradley, and (back) PA Entertainments bosses Phil Cooper and Adam Nicholson (pic: Joanne Heywood, of Creative Images)

Images and videos will be shared on social media by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust every Thursday at 8pm, starting today, April 16.

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Sarah McLeod, the trust’s CEO, said: “Everyone is indebted to the dedication of frontline NHS staff dealing with life and death on a daily basis, and other key workers risking their health just to do their jobs.

“We are a charity facing a huge struggle for survival during the pandemic, but we felt it was really important to demonstrate our support for them.”