The National Trust has its powers conferred on it through Parliament.

The National Trust Acts 1907 to 1971 and the Charities (National Trust) Order 2005 details the primary legislation under which the Trust operates. Copies of both these and other significant legislation passed by Parliament under which the Trust constitutionally operates is available here:

• The National Trust Acts 1907 – 1971 (PDF / 172KB)
• The Charities (National Trust) Order 2005 (PDF / 168KB)
• The National Trust Act (Northern Ireland) 1946 (PDF / 4.71MB)
• The National Trust (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 (PDF / 44KB)
• The National Trust Byelaws 1965 (PDF / 30KB)
• The National Trust Byelaws 1968 (Northern Ireland) (PDF / 2MB)