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Sunlight illuminating a heraldic stained glass window at Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire
Sunlight illuminating a heraldic stained glass window at Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

History

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

History highlights

The ruins of Fountains Abbey from De Grey's walk viewing deck
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What happened in a medieval abbey church? 

Learn what happened inside the monasteries and nunneries founded across Great Britain, before the Dissolution of the Monasteries more than 500 years ago.

View of Scafell Pike from Middle Fell, Lake District, England
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What was the Armistice? 

The Armistice ended the hostilities of the First World War on 11 November 1918. Find out about the events leading up to the ceasefire 105 years ago.

Art and collections

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.

Close-up detail of Medusa's head at the back of the statue of Fame and Pegasus (c1705) by Andries Carpentiere, at Powis Castle, Wales
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Mysterious objects in our collections 

There are many intriguing objects with connections to magic, mystery or death at the places in our care. From a witch's cauldron to death masks and a boat made of bones, discover some of the most mysterious objects in their 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.

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.

People

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.

September at Devil's Dyke, South Downs, West Sussex
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How has the South Downs landscape influenced musicians? 

Discover the musicians throughout history who have been inspired by the natural landscape and human stories in the places we care for in Sussex and the South Downs.

Oval framed photographic portrait of Henry, Airmyne and Charles Jenney, aged about 8, 9 and 10. They're shown bust-length, wearing summer clothing. It's signed on the lower right; 'Debenham G.?/Bournemouth/1929'
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Disability histories at the places in our care 

This Disability History Month (16 November–16 December), learn about some of the disabled people with connections to the places we look after, the experiences and challenges they faced and the individuals who supported them.

Portrait of Disraeli as a young man
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Who was Benjamin Disraeli? 

Find out about the life of Benjamin Disraeli, including his journey from charismatic young politician to twice-serving Prime Minister and his move to Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire.

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.

Architecture

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

The War Memorial Garden at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
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War memorials in our care 

We care for around 170 war memorials, with about 70 of those from the First World War. Discover the stories behind the monuments and find out where you can find them.

Exterior of Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
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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.

The Library at Coleton Fishacre, Devon
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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.

Gardens and landscapes

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.

Sunny view of a glasshouse with flowering plants on either side
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History of glasshouses, orangeries and garden sheds 

Discover the evolution in garden buildings – from exclusive hothouses for rare new finds, to the cornerstones of every garden today.

The Palladian Bridge at Stowe, Buckinghamshire, spanning the Octagon Lake which is created to look like a river. The arches of the bridge are reflected in the water with a backdrop of green trees. It is one of only four Palladian Bridges in the world and the only one which allowed a carriage to be driven over.
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The development of the English garden landscape 

The history of the English landscape garden is infused with political meaning. Learn the history and political stories behind this garden style characterised by structured informality.

A stag standing in grassy parkland, with trees and the house at Knole in the background
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What is a deer park? 

Status symbol, hunting ground and a source of building materials. Discover the important roles deer parks played in aristocratic and royal society.

Castlerigg Stone Circle in winter, Borrowdale, Cumbria. Surrounded by the fells of Skiddaw and Blencathra to its north and Castlerigg Fell, High Rigg and Clough Head to its south, this ring of 38 stones, set within a ring of mountains, has stood at Castlerigg for about 4,500 years since it was created by Neolithic farming communities.
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The open space movement 

By preserving the countryside for recreation, the open space movement inspired the National Trust in the work we do till this day.

National Trust staff and visitors at Knole, Kent

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