People in history

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

Dressing up at Sutton House, London
Children dressed as knights at Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk

History for kids 

People lived, died, loved and fought at the places we look after. Their stories will bring the Tudors, Victorians and wartime people to life for your children. Here are some of the places to visit.

Two Bad Mice book at Hill Top, near Sawrey, Cumbria

Potter's early life and books 

Beatrix Potter was a woman ahead of her time. A children's author and illustrator, she was a passionate farmer and conservationist too.

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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 who helped shape the modern world
Satan calling up his Legions, William Blake, circa 1805-09.

The Great Beast 666: who was Aleister Crowley? 

The Great Beast 666, Perabduro, Ankh-f-n-khonsu, the wickedest man in the world, Aleister Crowley was a noted – and controversial – occultist. Defiantly unconventional in every respect, he lived life according to his own dictum: ‘Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.’

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LGBTQ stories from our places
William John Bankes by George Sandars

William John Bankes and his life in exile 

Kingston Lacy in Dorset was profoundly shaped by William Bankes, who fled England in 1841 to avoid prosecution for same-sex acts. He had no choice but to leave England and the home he loved but he continued to send back works of art and treasures.

Oil painting on canvas, Victoria (Vita) Mary Sackville-West, Lady Nicolson (1892-1962) by Philip Alexius de László de Lombos

An unconventional couple: Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson 

A shared vision: find out more about Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, who created Sissinghurst Castle Garden and enjoyed an open marriage with both participating in same-sex extramarital relationships.

Edy, Chris and Clare at Smallhythe Place

Smallhythe Place: a creative ménage à trois 

Queer history and pioneering spirits: meet the three women of Smallhythe Place who found refuge in this corner of the Kent countryside to express their art, gender and sexuality, living together in a ménage à trois.

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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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.

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