What is the origin of the National Trust?

The Trust was founded in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley to promote the permanent preservation for the benefit of the Nation of lands and tenements (including buildings) of beauty or historic interest. It was given statutory powers, starting with the National Trust Act 1907.



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Who we are and what we stand for. We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Many millions share the belief that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. So we look after the nation's coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces, ensuring everyone benefits.

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The emblem of the National Trust ...is a green sprig of oak leaves and acorns, but our flag is that same sprig but in white on a green flag with 'NATIONAL TRUST'...

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Alfriston Clergy House in Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex, England, was the first built property to be acquired by the National Trust. It was purchased in 1896 for £10. The house lies adjacent to the Church of St. Andrew.

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Note that although most National Trust properties are in England, the Trust does care for several properties in Wales as well.

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With over 500,000 annual visitors, Attingham Park was the most visited National Trust property in 2020-21. Giant's Causeway, in Northern Ireland, is the most Instagrammable National Trust site, with 319,000 posts tagged at this location.

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The George Inn, or The George, is a public house established in the medieval period on Borough High Street in Southwark, London, owned and leased by the National Trust.

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Headquartered in London, it serves England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A parallel organization, the National Trust for Scotland, headquartered in Edinburgh, was founded in 1931.

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For more than 125 years, generations of people have helped us to look after nature, beauty and history. With your support we can continue this vital work, and preserve precious places for everyone, for ever.

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