AN EIGHT-year-old from Wordsley has been named the country’s youngest CEO by English Heritage.
Belle Vue Primary School pupil Thea Hunt was chosen from a nationwide search of hundreds of applicants to become the national heritage charity's Child Executive Officer.
As part of her role as CEO, Thea will consult on English Heritage’s summer events programme and champion the child’s view of the country’s castles, forts and palaces.
She will also receive life membership of English Heritage and bring children’s historic wishes to life at sites across England.
After being announced in her new role, Thea said: “I’m so excited to be English Heritage’s CEO. Being able to audition Kenilworth Castle really inspired me – I felt like a real-life Knight.”
Thea’s passion for history began at the age of five and in her CEO application, she revealed her history wish.
She wrote: “It would be great to take part in a knights’ tournament and feel how scary it really was charging to the opponent.
“I think there should be girl knights too because girls also have passion and drive and energy. That’s why I would like to be a knight for the day.”
English Heritage made Thea’s wish come true, and now as Child Executive Officer, she will be helping other children with their history wishes this summer.
Thea’s mum Stephanie said: “We are so proud of Thea being chosen as English Heritage’s first ever Child Executive Officer.
“We see her passion, vigour and imagination every day, so to have that recognised and acknowledged is a real thrill.
Emily Sewell, head of events at English Heritage, said: “Over 500 children applied for the role and we interviewed 50 very strong candidates, but Thea really stood out with her passion, energy and generosity – we’re extremely excited to have her on board.”
Thea kicked off her position by unveiling English Heritage’s History Wish List – the top 25 history-inspired wishes as chosen by 1,066 children.
The wishes included discovering hidden treasure, firing a cannon, sword fighting with friends, battling pirates, putting on a suit of armour and firing an arrow in the air.
Thea added: “I can’t wait to see the faces of children and their families when they’re doing the events from our History Wish List.”
For more information about where to take part in the History Wish List activities this summer, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/kidstakeover
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