Britain's National Trust History and Properties
Places of Historical Interest and Natural Beauty
Aug 17, 2009
In 1875, Octavia Hill along with her sister Miranda, who had been working tirelessly to reform the poor laws in London, formed the Kryle Society which was intended to preserve open spaces and bring beauty to the poor. The Society decorated the walls of hospitals, schools and other institutions in working-class neighborhoods with art.
Today, bringing beauty to the poor rather than food, shelter and support would not be a priority, but the philanthropists of the Victorian age were more insulated and couldn't relate to or understand the living conditions of the poor. The Kryle Society certainly meant well.
The open space program turned out to be a good thing. It saved heath and woodland from development and gave all Londoners safe places for leisure.
The Birth of the National Trust
With Octavia Hill's background in philanthropic endeavors, in 1895 she, along with Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley founded the The National Trust Places of Historic Interest and Natural Beauty.
In the beginning the National Trust's goal was to continue to protect open spaces and preserve historic buildings and ruins. The National Trust's first purchase was the 14th century Alfriston Clergy House, bought in 1896 at the cost of £10. The trust has since received numerous donations and owns and cares for nearly 1000 square miles of Great Britain.
The National Trust Historic Buildings and Gardens
Historic houses and gardens are very important acquisitions for the National Trust. Owners of large ancient family estates could no longer afford the upkeep or the taxes. Death duties were high when the properties were inherited and estates were and still are donated to the National Trust rather than pay those exorbitant fees. In most cases it was the only way to ensure the house, furnishings and gardens remained intact.
Visitors should expect to pay a fee at the gates, but the National Trust does have paid membership programs which will allow visitors access without paying at entrances.
Some Ancient Monuments and Natural Beauty
One of the most beautiful ruins in England is Corfe Castle in the Isle of Purbeck. Much of the ruin is 11th century, but destroyed by parliamentarians during the English Civil War. But what remains is a towering thing of beauty on a steep and windy hill. It towers over a charming old village which enjoys throngs of tourists every year.
The care and supervision of Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, the most famous ancient monument in England is controlled by English Heritage, a British government agency. But much of the surrounding area is National Trust property. Walks offer views of Stonehenge from different perspectives as well as ancient burial grounds and wildlife.
National Trust Membership
National Trust annual membership allows free entry and parking to over 300 properties in England and Scotland. Fees range from £35 for single membership to £61 for a family. Lifetime memberships are available as well and cost up to £1600 for a family.
Membership to England's National Trust also includes membership to the Heritage Canada Foundation, the National Trust of Australia and similar agencies in eleven other countries.
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