The NATIONAL TRUST


was formed in 1895 by Octavia Hill (1838-1912), Robert Hunter (1844-1913) and Canon H.C. Rawnsley (1851-1920). They were anxious to take an active role in preserving England's places of natural beauty and historic importance, which were threatened by the rush of industrialization.


In fact, the full name of the National Trust is:

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty.

From a starting membership of 100, the Trust today has over 2.5 million members in the UK and 42,000 friends in the United States through The Royal Oak Foundation.

For a directory of National Trust Properties, click here

The effort to protect this heritage now extends to 245,000 hectares of land in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A hectare is equal to nearly two and a half acres - quite a lot of land indeed! This includes 32 National Nature Reserves, 40,000 archeological sites and 468 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The Trust also protects 633 miles of coastland through its Neptune Coastline Campaign


The National Trust is perhaps best-known for its work in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings and houses. This effort now extends to 272 historic houses, 60 villages, 2 lighthouses and 17 dovecotes and 39 pubs.



Mussenden Temple