On the 9 September 2006 the National Trust launched three scrapbooks from Lindisfarne Castle as part of the History Matters – pass it on campaign.

Unfortunately only one of the books has turned up. We need your help to find the other two.

The purpose of the scrapbooks

The aim was for the nation to fill the scrapbooks with stories of why history matters to them as they progressed to their destination - Castle Drogo in Devon. The two properties have direct links with each other.

© National Trust

The journey

It was hoped that the scrapbooks would be passed from person to person, hand to hand, until they arrived at Castle Drogo. A single scrapbook was handed out to a visitor at Castle Drogo to begin its journey to Lindisfarne Castle, using the same method, this is also missing.

It was hoped that the scrapbooks would travel 450 miles, with the stories in them spanning generations, and they would then eventually go on show for all to read at the two properties. In the true spirit of History Matters - we're passing it on, literally.

The scrapbooks were handed to visitors at Lindisfarne by the Director General of the National Trust, Dame Fiona Reynolds, Regional Director David Ronn and Catherine Atkinson, Property Manager for Lindisfarne Castle. One was scooped up by a working holiday volunteer, one was passed on to local girl Molly and one scrapbook started its travel south straight away, as it was taken up by a family from North Shields.

© National Trust

It was hoped that when the books finally arrived at their destinations they would provide a fascinating insight into what motivates people to visit special places such as Lindisfarne and Drogo and why history matters to them.

Two properties linked

The aim of the History Matters campaign is to highlight the importance of history in people’s every day lives, to encourage involvement and public support for our heritage, and importantly to ensure we pass it on for future generations.

Although 450 miles separate these two Trust properties, they are linked by their connection with a remarkable man, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Lindisfarne Castle, originally a Tudor building, was renovated by Lutyens for his friend Edward Hudson, the founder of Country Life magazine. Hudson was also friends with the self-made millionaire Julius Drewe who wanted to build a Castle in Devon, and recommended Lutyens to him. Built between 1911 and 1931, the castle is the last to be built in England and is universally acclaimed as a Lutyens masterpiece.

Who to contact

If you know the whereabouts of the scrapbooks please contact Catherine Atkinson, Property Manager at Lindisfarne Castle on 01289 389244 or via email.