National Trust under fire after selling 'sexist' hats for girls

There has been an outpouring of criticism

(Laura Goss)

The National Trust has come under fire after one of its properties was found selling “future footballers wife” hats.

Questionable grammar aside, the pink hats, intended for girls, have provoked outrage after Twitter user Laura Goss posted an image from Tatton Park’s gift shop.

The historical estate in Cheshire swiftly removed the hats from shelves after an outpouring of criticism on social media.

The tweet received a huge response, with many people shocked that anyone ever thought it OK to sell such a product.

The National Trust swiftly responded to Goss, but received further criticism for suggesting she flag up the problem to the property herself.

They explained that “Tatton Park is managed by Cheshire East Council. This product isn’t on sale at the places we look after.”

Tatton Park apologised for any offence and confirmed that they’d removed the hats from sale.

Graham Jones, Tatton Park’s visitor and commercial operations manager, said: “We get a job lot of hats from our supplier, including children’s hats, but I don't know how these ended up on our shelves. Someone’s put them out without thinking.

“If they have offended anyone and are considered inappropriate, then as far as we are concerned, it was a mistake and we take that very seriously.”

And Goss said she was pleased the hat had been removed.

“I was disgusted and saddened by it,” she told The Telegraph. “It would be wrong wherever it was sold. National Trust may not have direct responsibility for the shop but if it falls under their brand then they should accept some of the blame.

“It’s fantastic that it’s been taken off the shelf. It’s only a tiny thing really but it all helps.”

It’s not the first controversy to hit the National Trust over the summer - they’ve also been criticised for forcing staff members to wear Gay Pride badges, changing the recipe for their famous flapjacks and publicly outing Robert Wyndham Ketton-Cremer, former owner of Felbrigg Hall near Cromer.