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History and grandeur in the heart of Kent

Knole, one of our most important and complete historic houses, this year launches an exciting project to secure its future.

Expect everything to look and feel a bit different as we carry out urgent repairs to save the house from rapid decline, with scaffolding on our east front. It's the first phase in a huge programme which aims to engage all our visitors in our continuing history.

Once at the centre of court life, Knole was the inspiration for Virginia Woolf's Orlando, and contains extraordinary furniture from the royal palaces, alongside superb portraits, textiles and silver.

Damage on the east front of Knole, Kent © John Miller

A house as old as this needs constant attention

© John Miller

The Knole appeal

The National Trust has launched a public appeal for £3 million to help fund emergency repairs to the walls and roofs of Knole.

It's the first step in a major project to safeguard Knole's future and reveal many more of its secrets to visitors.

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Follow us on Facebook © National Trust/Facebook

Visit our Facebook page for all the latest news from behind the scenes, photos and titbits that other people don't get to see.

Conservation blog

A conservation demonstration at Knole, Kent © Emily Watts

Knole has one of the most precious collections of furniture in the world, and looking after it is a big job. Read our blog to find out just how big...

Behind the scenes

The Premises team at Knole, Kent, relaxing on a summer evening © Jo Hatcher

How does a small group of people look after such a huge house?  Find out about the art of keeping several balls in the air on our Premises Team's blog.