A statue and its shadow in the garden at Powis Castle in Powys during winter — View of 17th century Italianate terraces with clipped yews at Powis Castle, Powys | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

History

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

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

A close-up of Chinese wallpaper at Belton House, depicting bamboo, climbing plants and birds, with human figures in the foreground.

Article

Chinese wallpaper in our care

We look after the largest collection of historic Chinese wallpapers on permanent public display in the world. Learn more about the evolution of paper wallcoverings and the different styles through the centuries.

Article

12 golden objects to see up close

From goldwork and gilding to goldsmithing and jewellery making, discover the ways in which gold has been used in the objects in our collections.

Painted image of Sir Joshua Reynolds sitting at a desk, from Saltram, Devon

Article

Highlights from the Sir Joshua Reynolds collection

Sir Joshua Reynolds was the leading portrait painter of the 18th century, admired for being able to capture an individual’s distinctive personality. We look after the largest collection of his works in a historic house setting, including 76 oil paintings.

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

Portrait of Cecilia Strickland by George Romney. She is a young woman from 18th century dressed in a pink and white gown.

Article

Disability histories at the places in our care

Many of the places and collections we care for tell the stories of disabled people throughout history. Learn more about the people behind these connections.

Black and white image of Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley (1851-1920)

Article

Hardwicke Rawnsley: 'Defender of the Lakes'

As well as a founder of the National Trust, Hardwicke Rawnsley was a religious man, writer, social reformer and active campaigner for the protection of the Lake District.

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.

Article

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.

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

More architecture

The North Front of Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland

Article

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.

The War Memorial Garden at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Article

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.

Article

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.

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

Interior of a greenhouse with pelargoniums, succulents and other plants potted on a bench, and other larger houseplants on the floor

Article

A potted history of houseplants

Wander through our collections and gardens to learn the high-society origins of the ferns, orchids and pelargoniums in your home.

Charlecote Park and House in Winter with Deer and Does

Article

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.

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.

Article

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.