People in history

Discover some of the social history behind our places and uncover fascinating facts about the people who have lived in them

1865 portrait of Ellen Terry, age 17, by Julia Margaret Cameron at Smallhythe Place, Kent
A portrait of Humphry Repton

Humphry Repton: the first landscape gardener 

Repton, the original landscape gardener, brought his unique design style to the gardens and parks at more than 20 of our places. As a skilled water colour painter, each commission was accompanied by one of his ingenious 'red books' to illustrate his proposal.

Discover Repton's work
Beatrix Potter at Keswick show

Remarkable women from our places 

Delve back into the past to discover the remarkable women who helped shape our places. Meet the political player who helped restore the monarchy, beloved children's authors and an acclaimed archaeologist.

Women for fought for suffrage

Figures from our places who fought for female suffrage 

Many of our places were home to impassioned people who campaigned for female suffrage. Discover the stories of those who championed female empowerment

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Saving our nation's heritage for ever, for everyone

Octavia Hill (after John Singer Sargent) by Reginald Grenville Eves, RA

Who was Octavia Hill? 

A social reformer, public figure, artist and activist, Octavia Hill was also a key figure in the foundation of the National Trust.

Canon Rawnsley (centre) with Beatrix Potter and her family in 1887

Who was Hardwicke Drummond Rawnsley? 

Born in Oxfordshire in 1851, Hardwicke Drummond Rawnsley (1851–1920) was one of the founders of the National Trust.

Ferguson's Gang members Shot Biddy, Kate O’Brien and Bill Stickers enjoying a picnic, 1935

Who were Ferguson's Gang? 

Ferguson’s Gang was formed in 1927 with five core members, all of whom were women. Their aim was to raise awareness of the need to protect rural areas and they supported the organisation they considered to be the most dedicated to preserving England’s heritage: the National Trust.

Children dressed as William and his sister Dorothy at the National Trust's Wordsworth House and Garden in Cumbria

Wordsworth's years of happiness and heartache 

Growing into one of the world's favourite poets, Wordsworth's formative years introduced him to his two great loves; nature and literature, but his childhood was mired in tragedy. Discover the inspiration behind some of his most famous poems.

Explore Wordsworth's past
Images of courtiers on a medieval tapestry Play Video
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Tudor stories revealed at The Vyne

As part of a £5.4million roof project at The Vyne in Hampshire you can discover the story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s Royal Progress in October 1535. Re-presented showrooms on the ground floor of the house explore the Tudor Royal visit hosted by Henry’s Lord Chamberlain, William Sandys.

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