The National Trust
History Network
The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three Victorian philanthropists - Miss Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley. Concerned about the impact of uncontrolled development and industrialisation, they set up the Trust to act as a guardian for the nation in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings.
More than a century later, the National Trust now cares for over 248,000 hectares (612,000 acres) of beautiful countryside in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus more than 700 miles of coastline and more than 200 buildings and gardens of outstanding interest and importance.
Most of these properties are held in perpetuity and so their future protection is secure. The vast majority are open to visitors and we are constantly looking at ways in which we can improve public access and on-site facilities.
They are a registered charity and completely independent of Government, therefore relying heavily on the generosity of our subscribing members (now numbering over 3.5 million) and other supporters.
History of the Trust
The Present
The National Trust works to preserve and protect the buildings, countryside and coastline of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, in a range of ways, through practical conservation, learning and discovery, and encouraging everyone to visit and enjoy their national heritage.
They also educate people about the importance of the environment and of preserving our heritage for future generations, they contribute to important debates over the future of the economy, the development of people's skills and sense of community, and the quality of the local environment in both town and country.