Stories

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

On March 23, The National Trust released its new 10-year strategic plan, which will inform our shared work for the next decade. Titled “Playing Our Part,” the plan builds upon the Trust’s substantial accomplishments in historic preservation and environmental conservation to reaffirm its commitment –one shared with The Royal Oak Foundation— to protecting and making accessible to the public places of historic and natural significance.

On Friday, March 27th, I participated in a Royal Oak programs tour for a studio visit to Venturella Studios. I’ve always through the process of glass restoration was incredibly interesting, but I didn’t realize that there were studios so close by in NYC that did this. When we arrived at the studio, I was expecting a warehouse type setting. Instead we met in the lobby of a building that could very well have been the lobby to a doctor’s office! Once we went upstairs though, the hallways grew tight and mazelike. After winding around a few turns, we arrived at the studio. Thomas Venturella, the owner, operator and Senior Conservator met us at the door and welcomed us inside.

The Titanic was the crown-jewel of Belfast’s Golden Age of Shipbuilding, a tradition that is fortunately celebrated today at the city’s Titanic Centre, and an era celebrated throughout Northern Ireland.

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

Video: we sat down with Dr. Shelden to discuss lesser-known facts about Churchill, Sir Winston's personal hero, and how the famous Churchill paintings served as a form of therapy for the young leader.

Yesterday was an important day in British history, as it marked the 60th anniversary of Churchill’s last day at 10 Downing Street. This, in the year that marks 50 years since the man's passing, reminds us how enduring a mark Churchill left on British, and indeed world history.