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Close up of English circular giltwood mirror, c1750 in the Dining Parlour at The Vyne, Basingstoke, Hampshire
Close up of English circular giltwood mirror, c1750 in the Dining Parlour at The Vyne, Basingstoke, Hampshire | © National Trust Images/Nadia Mackenzie

History

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

Art and collections

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.

NARCISSUS 'THE INCOMPARABLE DAFFODIL' by Georg Ehret, 1753. Botanical illustration situated in Gallery IV (the Botanical Gallery) at Dudmaston, Shropshire.
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Spring scenes in our collections 

Spring's promise of new beginnings has been an inspiration to artists and designers for centuries. Discover spring through some of its most evocative depictions in the collections and objects we care for.

Servants bells, above the door to the study, for Lord Grey's room and dressing rooms at Dunham Massey
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Country house communication through the ages 

Learn how innovations in country house communication technology, from sprung bells to early telephones, transformed the ways servants could be summoned.

A cardboard Easter egg in the collection at Lanhydrock, covered in paper depicting lots of rabbits at a wedding
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The story of Easter in our collections 

Take a closer look at some of the Easter objects in our collections. From a religious holy day to a time for family traditions, explore the origins of Easter and the symbolic egg.

People

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.

Lion of Judah flag raised above the house at Dunham Massey with a grass circle in the foreground and white clouds in the background
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Black histories and the National Trust 

Discover the places and collections we care for that have connections to Black histories. Learn more about the people behind these connections, including the lady of the house at Dyrham Park in South Gloucestershire and an exiled emperor at Dunham Massey in Greater Manchester.

Black and white photograph of three women sitting in the countryside drinking from glasses
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Who were Ferguson's Gang? 

Read the story of some of the National Trust's most mysterious and unconventional benefactors and how two authors discovered more about their true identities.

Painting of Lady Mary Pierrepont, later Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762) by after Jonathan Richardson the younger. A three-quarter length portrait showing Lady Mary standing, wearing a black dress.
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Who was Lady Mary Wortley Montagu? 

Learn about the life of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and the role she played in introducing smallpox inoculation to Western medicine.

Architecture

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

Visitors on the Palladian Bridge at Prior Park, Bath
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What is Palladianism? 

Learn how Palladianism combined classically symmetrical exteriors with lavish interiors and went on to gain huge popularity with renowned architects in England in the 18th century.

The Library at Coleton Fishacre, Devon
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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.

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.

Gardens and landscapes

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.

Daffodils dappled in sunlight next to a red brick wall
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The history of daffodils 

Uncover the history behind the daffodil, including how it came to be one of the UK's favourite flowers, where it came from and how to classify its many varieties.

View of the Canal Terrace and Pin Mill during the winter at Bodnant Garden
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Garden design through the ages 

Explore how changing tastes influenced the style of gardens over the centuries and discover where you can find the best examples from each period at the places we care for.

The Water Garden at Lyveden New Bield, Peterborough, Northamptonshire.
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What is the picturesque? 

Find out more about the picturesque aesthetic style and how it became a fashionable choice for wealthy estates in the 18th century. Learn more about the people who influenced the movement.

Two people hiding in a hut doing winter bird watching at Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey

Start your journey of discovery

Delve into history, get tips from our experts, learn a new skill and go behind the scenes of your favourite places.