Introducing our remarkable collections

Every object tells a story

Our collections offer you the chance to uncover a broad spectrum of social, political, scientific and industrial histories. The lives and occupations of former inhabitants of our places are quietly evoked, illuminated by their surviving personal treasures.

Frequently these were conscious creations – personal statements of taste, patronage, lineage and social status. High fashion, design and superb craftsmanship were the order of the day.

But not all places are grand treasure houses. Many are small and not at all ostentatious, with deep personal associations, sometimes to an individual writer, politician, architect, poet or composer.

Many historic libraries also survive remarkably intact, conjuring up a special atmosphere of personal study and reflection. They range from those of wealthy collectors to those formed with more practical and provincial ambitions. Some were formed by significant literary figures, such as the writers Rudyard Kipling and George Bernard Shaw.

A global story

The global nature of our collections is a product of the intertwined lives of historic house residents and their participation in world markets, politics, diplomacy and travel. We have particularly diverse Asian collections. Early networks of trade in China have long influenced the decorative schemes and collections for many of our places. Establishing direct control of British India (today India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) means that South Asian crafts, diverse religious items, textiles, photographs and weaponry are also well reflected.

Archaeological collections

Archaeological sites in Britain tell stories that are thousands of years old, through surviving artefacts, structures and landscape features. 

The National Trust looks after over 90,000 archaeological sites situated across 250,000 hectares (617,763 acres) of land.

These include parts of nine World Heritage Sites, over 1,700 scheduled monuments of national importance and thousands of ancient artefacts.

Something for everyone

Special collections, displays and ever-changing exhibitions can now be enjoyed at many places, inviting discovery of the full extent of our holdings.

With over a million objects – with internationally significant collections of paintings, furniture, ceramics, books, tapestries and more – there is no shortage of choice.