Detail of a chimneypiece with two birds and flowers in the Queen's Closet at Ham House and Garden, London — Detail of a chimneypiece in the Queen's Closet at Ham House and Garden, London | © National Trust Images/Chris Davies

History

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

Summer sunrise at White Sheet Hill, Stourhead, Wiltshire

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History of summer solstice traditions

Learn the ancient origins, traditions and folklore of the summer solstice and discover how midsummer was celebrated in millennia past at some of the places we care for.

A pair of Egyptian Sphinxes set against yews cut to form a pyramid and flanking a stone archway in the garden at Biddulph, Staffordshire

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What is Egyptomania?

Egyptomania refers to the enthusiasm for everything related to ancient Egypt. Discover how it has captured the imagination and influenced everything from clothes to architecture.

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

Red and white roses in a still life by Ambrosius Bosschaert at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

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Roses in art and collections we care for

Did you know that the ancient Greeks and Romans loved to grow roses? Discover the roots and symbolism of these much-loved flowers through the objects and art in our care.

The doll's house in the Treasure Room at Hill Top, Cumbria, home of Beatrix Potter

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Where to find the best dolls' houses

From 18th-century mini palaces to entire model villages, discover the rare and exquisite dolls’ houses in the collections we care for.

Knight with the Arms of Jean de Daillon Tapestry, Montacute House

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Great tapestries in our collections

We look after the largest collection of tapestries in the UK and one of the largest in the world. Learn more about these status symbols and explore some of the best examples of this craftmanship at the places in our care.

Cultural Heritage Magazine

Download the Spring/Summer issue of the Cultural Heritage Magazine. In this issue, hear from Sandi Toksvig and Rachel Conroy as they discuss women artists and designers, explore the groundbreaking menswear collection at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire, learn the intriguing tale of two 18th-century Yorkshire families, and much more.

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

The 5th Marquess of Anglesey, Henry Cyril Paget, posing on a chair in fancy costume, with winged helmet and adorned in jewels.

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LGBTQ+ histories at the places we care for

Learn more about the LGBTQ+ people with connections to the places we care for and why highlighting their stories is important.

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.

An oil painting showing a female painter next to a canvas of a painting of herself

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Great women artists

Throughout history women artists have had many obstacles to overcome in order to pursue careers in the fine arts. Discover great women artists and their artworks in the National Trust collections.

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

More architecture

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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.

The North Front of Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland

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What is Baroque?

Explore the Baroque cultural movement and discover how its opulent, theatrical style swept across Europe in the 17th century, influencing art, architecture and music.

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.

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