Close-up of a statue of a figure as African artwork in the collection of 575 Wandsworth Road, London — African artwork at 575 Wandsworth Road, London | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

History

Find out more about people from the past, discover remarkable art and collections and brush up on your knowledge of architecture and gardens.

A white teapot on a stand with other china ware in the background at 575 Wandsworth Road

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Black histories and the National Trust

This Black History Month, discover the places and collections we care for that have connections to black histories. Learn more about the people behind these connections, including the lady of the house at Dyrham Park and a Kenyan-born poet, novelist and civil servant at 575 Wandsworth Road.

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Who was Richmond Barthé?

Richmond Barthé was an African American figurative artist practising from the 1930s to the 1980s. A rare oil on canvas portrait in the collection at Belton House, Lincolnshire, has recently been attributed to Barthé. The portrait offers new insight into a lesser-known aspect of his work and has served as a catalyst for exploring his story.

The historic shopfront of George Saunders, the tailors, on Hurst Street as part of the Birmingham Back to Backs, West Midlands

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The story of George Saunders

Find out about George Saunders, who came to the UK from the Caribbean in 1958 and went on to operate a successful tailor shop at Court 15 in Birmingham, now known as the Back to Backs. His story also demonstrates an important part of the black history of the city.

Delve into one of the world's greatest collections of art and historical objects. From paintings to sculptures, there’s something for every art lover to discover.

More art and collections

Oil painting on canvas. A Still Life of Flowers and Fruit arranged on a Stone Plinth in a Garden by Cornelis de Heem (Leiden 1631 - Antwerp 1695) at Dyrham Park, near Bristol and Bath.

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Autumn scenes and stories in our collections

With its bright colours, natural spectacles and abundant harvests, autumn has inspired artists for generations. From paintings and tapestries to ceramics, discover autumn scenes in our care.

A covered Japanese porcelain bowl in the collection at Sizergh Castle, painted in enamels with red and orange flowers among foliage, mounted in silver

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Ceramics highlights in the National Trust's collection

Discover highlights from the National Trust’s collection of around 75,000 ceramic objects, from an early Ming dynasty dish to an ancient Greek hydria.

Electric jewellery at Cragside in Northumberland

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Curiosities and inventions in our collections

From electric jewellery to Sir Winston Churchill's golden winkle shell, discover fascinating curiosities and inventions in the collections we care for.

Oil painting on panel of a Young Girl holding a Chaffinch

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Highlights from 100 paintings in the collections we care for

100 Paintings from the Collections of the National Trust showcases works by some of the most renowned European artists of all time, cared for by the Trust and housed in its properties.

Read the stories of people from history and learn about their connections to the historic places in our care, from Beatrix Potter to the Beatles.

More historical people

Black and white photograph of three women sitting in the countryside drinking from glasses

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Who were Ferguson's Gang?

Read the story of some of the National Trust's most mysterious and unconventional benefactors and how two authors discovered more about their true identities.

The south garden with balustraded terrace, and sweeping lawn at Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire

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Jewish stories at country houses

Learn about the Jewish history at country houses in England and Wales, the politics and the obstacles they faced.

Octavia Hill (1838 - 1912) (after John Singer Sargent) by Reginald Grenville Eves, RA (London 1876 ¿ Middleton in Teesdale 1941)

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Octavia Hill: her life and legacy

One of three founders of the National Trust, Octavia Hill is among the greatest social entrepreneurs in British history and the impact of her life and work is still felt today.

The Sitting Room at Monk's House with dark wooden beams, mint green walls and an arrangement of furniture including a writing desk, dining table and chairs, standing lamp and paintings on the walls.

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What was the Bloomsbury group?

Discover the artists and writers at the heart of the Bloomsbury group, a group of influential intellects brought together by their modern views and artistic interests.

Read up on architecture with in-depth articles about architectural styles, interior design through history and architectural structures.

More architecture

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The history of architecture

Learn how social and technological change have influenced architecture throughout history, and find out where to see examples of each period at the places in our care.

A group of visitors standing outside the East Front at Tyntesfield, Somerset

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What is Gothic Revival?

Discover how it became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries to style literature, architecture, art, music and more after the features of the late medieval Gothic period.

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Interior design through the ages

As fashions change over the eras, so do our homes. Explore the history of British interior design and learn about the centuries of design innovation at the places we care for.

Discover the history of the natural landscapes around you. From glasshouses to sunken lanes, understand more about how these gardens and green spaces were formed.

More gardens and landscapes