A career at England’s biggest house has brought Sophie Parkin back home to South Yorkshire.
Former Sheffield High School girl Sophie, 27, has joined the team at Wentworth Woodhouse as digital marketing manager.
Sophie brings five years of experience in marketing and communications and will be playing an intrinsic part in growing visitor numbers at the Grade I listed stately home, a major cultural and leisure attraction in Rotherham owned by a Preservation Trust since 2017.
“I cannot think of a more exciting project to be involved in than the regeneration of Wentworth Woodhouse,” said Sophie, who grew up in Oughtibridge and has a degree in Law and a Masters in Marketing.
“I’m delighted to be joining such a dedicated team and working at a site of such local prominence. My role combines my experiences of hospitality and charity marketing with my passion for heritage,” she says.
“I had wonderful history teachers who ignited my interest and my parents taught me about the importance of preserving our national heritage by taking me to historic sites all over the country.
“I aim to increase brand awareness and reach new audiences in South Yorkshire and beyond so more people can discover the story of Wentworth Woodhouse and play a part in its future.”
Sophie is no stranger to grand and historic houses. She once worked in communications for one of England’s most elite members’ clubs. The 1897-founded Royal Automobile Club has clubhouses in London’s Pall Mall and 350-acre Woodcote Park in Epsom.
She arrives at the Trust from the national cancer support charity Look Good Feel Better. Her role as Communications & Digital Manager enabled the charity to further promote its work boosting physical and emotional wellbeing for people living with cancer.
The pandemic sparked Sophie’s interest in relocating back to Yorkshire.
“It made me reflect on what I wanted out of life and also meant my partner James was able to work remotely,” she said. “We decided we would move up to Yorkshire at some point, then the job at Wentworth Woodhouse came up and I knew immediately I had to apply.
“I have always been aware of the house and had jumped at the chance to visit when its gardens opened last summer. I remember thinking at the time that it would be a wonderful place to work.
“I’m delighted to be back home. I am Yorkshire through and through – according to a DNA test I am 96% English – specifically Yorkshire!”
WWPT’s COO Paula Kaye said: “Sophie brings valuable marketing experience in heritage and hospitality to our team. Her digital skills, flair and passion are helping us engage with supporters and potential new visitors, who are so important to this house’s future.”
