THE NATIONAL TRUST

THE NATIONAL TRUST
Author: James Lees-Milne
Publisher: B.T. Batsford
Edition: 1946 Edition
Pages: 132

The National Trust by James Lees-Milne stands as a cornerstone publication in the field of heritage conservation, offering readers a deeply informed and eloquently crafted portrait of the organization that has become synonymous with the preservation of Britain’s cultural and natural legacy. Written in 1946, just after the devastation of World War II, this book captures a pivotal time when the United Kingdom was confronting the urgent need to protect its threatened historic estates, landscapes, and landmarks.

Lees-Milne, who played a crucial role in shaping the Trust’s country house policies, weaves together institutional history, personal memoir, and philosophical reflection. He delves into the founding principles of the Trust, originally formed in 1895, and traces its development through turbulent decades, highlighting how wartime destruction, economic shifts, and evolving public sentiment influenced the Trust’s growth and vision.

Unlike a dry organizational history, this book is rich with vivid anecdotes, passionate advocacy for preservation, and eloquent arguments on the cultural importance of shared heritage. It explores the challenges faced by property owners, the complex negotiations involved in transferring estates, and the Trust’s growing public role. Through Lees-Milne’s insightful prose, the Trust is not merely an institution—it becomes a symbol of national identity, resilience, and memory.

For readers interested in the broader implications of conservation, this book offers timeless relevance. It examines how the built environment shapes a people’s understanding of their past and their place in the world. Lees-Milne’s perspective bridges the personal and the national, making The National Trust not just a chronicle of buildings and gardens, but a moving testament to the enduring need for cultural guardianship

• Authored by James Lees-Milne, a prominent historian and National Trust official

• Chronicles the early efforts and vision behind Britain’s heritage movement

• Combines organizational history with compelling personal insight

• Highlights the Trust’s challenges and triumphs in post-war Britain

• A valuable text for readers interested in architecture, conservation, and cultural history