Stories

We are saddened by the news that Clandon Park House, Surrey, suffered significant damage in a fire that broke out late Wednesday afternoon local time. While no one was injured and local fire teams managed to subdue the blaze, Helen Ghosh, the National Trust’s Director General, called the effects to the property “devastating.” She said: “The house is now essentially a shell, most of the roof, ceiling and floors have collapsed into the bottom of the building.”

Gareth Williams on the place of dogs in the English country home and their place in stately homes' collections

Visit the filming locations for the television production of Wolf Hall with The Royal Oak Foundation. Royal Oak members enjoy unlimited access to these and all National Trust properties. Take advantage of free entry on your next trip, and don't miss out on our lecture about the true story behind Wolf Hall from Dr. Tracy Borman this May. Learn More

On March 23, Michael Snodin, a design and architectural historian and Chairman and Honorable Curator of the Strawberry Hill Trust spoke to a Royal Oak Foundation audience in New York City as part of our Drue Heinz Lecture Series.

Last night, Royal Oak hosted Lord Sackville, Robert Sackville-West of Knole, in New York City as part of our Drue Heinz lecture series. Sackville's lecture focused on his recently published book, The Disinherited, which examines the parallel lives of his family's "illegitimate" members, and their fight for recognition. Before his lecture, Lord Sackville sat down with Royal Oak's Sam McCann for a brief interview over coffee. Watch as he discusses his family history, what it meant to dig into the family's shadows, and what he hopes his audience takes away from his lecture.

Staircases and interiors are an important part of what makes National Trust interiors so otherworldly. Their intricate detail and thoughtful design fascinate Royal Oak's Jacqueline Bascetta. Read about what she finds so special about them, and then see for yourself with a Royal Oak membership.