Recent Joiners

Alison Parkin

Development Manager

I have always loved historic buildings. As a child I lived in a creaky old house in the Cotswolds, which had been built in the 1540s. I loved imagining the people who had lived there over the centuries and was terrified by the ghost stories dad read to my brothers and me, ensuring that we lay awake at night listening for every rustle under the floorboards.

After university, I spent 10 years with a City law firm, before taking an extended career break to bring up my children, one of whom unfortunately spent considerable time in GOSH. Here I experienced the incredible work of their fundraising team and decided that, rather than return to the law, I wanted to explore working in the charity sector. I learnt the ropes working for a charity fundraising for educational bursaries, which was very rewarding.

I arrived at Landmark by accident; I wasn’t intending to move jobs, but having met the team, visited the beautiful Shottesbrooke offices and read the business model, I knew that this was for me.

I manage the Landmark Patrons scheme and love getting to know our Patrons, who are passionate about what Landmark does. Talking to them about their favourite Landmarks always turns up interesting gems and several have even stayed in every single Landmark – quite an achievement! Highlights of my time so far include taking my family to stay at Astley Castle, collecting all the Lundy letterbox stamps over a weekend that included every type of weather except snow and the summer BBQ at Shottesbrooke, where I met more of our regional and international colleagues.

Landmark is a wonderful place to work, with a true sense of community and belonging.

Natalie Craven

Engagement Officer

I discovered Landmark on a mid-pandemic trip to Lundy, it was absolute escapism from London. The ruggedness, the wildlife, the bright blue water, all made a lasting impression. As a secret stamp geek too, using Lundy Post was also a highlight! With my keen interest in heritage, architecture and general exploring, Landmark has already been a door into many fascinating places.

I come to Landmark with 12 years’ experience in the charity sector and a background in the Arts. In previous roles I’ve managed art collections and engagement at three NHS Trusts, delivered public programmes at the Royal College of Physicians’ Museum in London, and most recently managed research-based creative health projects for NHS staff and patients.

In the Engagement team at Landmark, I oversee public access to many historic Landmarks through a varied Open Day programme in England, Scotland and Wales. I also manage Landmark’s longstanding charitable schemes ‘50 for Free’ and ‘Futures’, and the development of Landmark Volunteers. Within our charitable aim, there’s so much exciting potential to widen our public reach and offer memorable experiences in remarkable places for everyone.

Lorraine Stapley

Accounts Assistant

I have always worked in the finance sector and I was delighted to join Landmark's finance team based at Shottesbrooke last July. Thankfully, it was just after the really hot spell, so let’s see what this year brings. The varied elements of my role ensure no two days are ever the same and interaction with Landmark’s many suppliers keeps me busy, especially when we clear up outstanding issues.

My welcome here was warm and generous and everyone I met took the time to introduce themselves and make me feel at ease in my new role. It is unusual to work in an environment where so many colleagues have stayed for many years, I personally believe that is a sign of a great employer. Being able to have a blended office/home working week is a great opportunity, and I usually have extra help when at home from a fluffy colleague.

While my historic knowledge is very limited, I am completely in awe of the hundreds of years some of our beautiful properties have been around for, the thought of what once went on within the walls and the vast changes in our world since construction. I’m really looking forward to staying in some of these wonderful Landmarks and I hope to join the throngs of those who’ve worked for The Landmark Trust for many years.            

Katherine Cleland

Regional Property Manager - Scotland

I have always had a passion for old buildings, probably passed to me from my dad who was a district works manager for Historic Scotland covering the west coast and islands of Scotland. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of exploring the castles, cathedrals and historic sites that he looked after. I applied to Landmark Trust early in 2019 after being intrigued by an advert for a Properties Assistant role, based at home but with regular travel to properties throughout Scotland. I had heard of the Landmark Trust but had never stayed in any buildings and had no real understanding of the work that was done, the more I investigated the more I wanted to work here.

My first 6 months travelling round the region were spent wide-eyed in wonder at the buildings I was supporting. I love the variety and travel this role brings me - no two days are the same - with a mixture of speaking to and meeting new people, helping guests when things don’t go according to plan, while being involved in the maintenance and preservation of the most amazing buildings in beautiful parts of the country such as at Shore Cottages in Berriedale in the photo. When my manager decided to retire it felt like a natural step for me to apply for the Regional Property Manager post, and I’m so glad I did. I get real enjoyment from my work and learn so much from my colleagues. I am lucky enough to work with a great group of people in an inclusive and nurturing environment and have progressed personally so much in the past 3 years, I can't wait to see what happens next.

Timothy James

Properties Assistant - South

Like many of our staff, I was drawn to work for Landmark because of my passion for historic buildings. Originally from Pembrokeshire, heritage has always interested me - as a child I was fascinated with the derelict buildings, and I was eager to explore them.  

My first day with Landmark was in 2016 – I was immediately hooked! I started as a relief housekeeper alongside two other jobs, I was able to work in buildings that I would not otherwise get to see inside. I loved exploring the region, jumping at the chance to do a shift at different buildings.   

I am delighted to now be working in a full-time role with Landmark.  In Spring 2021 I became the Properties Assistant for the South region. My role is varied with no two days the same. Based at my home in Bristol I help with the running of the region, supporting the Regional Property Manager.  

Working for Landmark I feel that I am doing a small part to keep alive our architectural heritage, whether I’m ordering new stock, sorting out staff cover or undertaking practical tasks at one of the 27 buildings in my region.