Video and pictures: Open doors at the Shropshire mansion that Poundland built
The true rags-to-riches story of how the Poundland founder went from selling tubes of toothpaste on a market to owning one of the biggest franchises in the country will be revealed during an open day at his Shropshire mansion.
Keith Smith is opening the doors to his £2 million mansion to raise money for his local church and history group.
Mr Smith bought Ludstone Hall, near Bridgnorth, in 1997 and has built a museum detailing his rise from an ordinary market seller to one of the country's finest entrepreneurs.
The 400-year-old mansion boasts 10 acres of land, a fishing pool and a moat.
The museum within the grounds covers Mr Smith's rise from Hooties Cash and Carry in Bilston to the Poundland empire he created with his son, Steve, before selling up in 2012.
Mr Smith said: "When I sold the franchise there were 80 stores and now there are more than 500."
"The idea for Poundland started in 1990 after noticed I when a one box items selling for a shilling would make more money off that than anything else on the stall.
"I am from Willenhall originally and when I was younger I started an apprenticeship with Wellamn, Smith & Owen in Willennhall.
"I stayed there for five years and I would go occasionally to Wednesbury Technical College but rather than carry on working there I decided to work on the markets in Bilston.
"That's what got me into buying and selling. The museum will show visitors how Poundland all started."
Ludstone Hall itself is steeped in history, with the original building dating back to 1098.
Mr Smith will reveal the background to the hall, its grounds and how he came to own it during the open day on July 12, from 10am to 5pm.
"There was a secret passage from the hall to the church, which the monks used to use," said Mr Smith.
"I have lived here for 18 years but it was once owned by Roger de Montgomerie, the first Earl of Shrewsbury. The hall dates back to 1098 and the Deans of Bridgnorth looked after it for 250 years.
"That was when it was a wooden structure that but today's hall was built in 1607.
"Visitors can walk around the hall, the ground and the pools, which are used by Albrighton Fishing Club.
"We've had a thousand people here before and there will be model aircraft display on the day, a tombola and all the usual things."
Entry costs £3 and is free for children with all proceeds going to All Saints Church in Claverley.
Donations from the museum will go to Claverley Memories Group historical society.
