National Trust founded in Britain (1894–1895)

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty was founded in Britain in 1895 by social reformer Octavia Hill, solicitor Sir Robert Hunter, and clergyman Hardwicke Rawnsley. The organization was established to preserve lands and buildings of beauty or historic interest for the nation. Key developments include the initial conceptualization by Hunter in 1894, a provisional council meeting at Grosvenor House, and formal incorporation on 12 January 1895.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The idea of a company with the power to acquire and hold buildings and land was mooted by Robert Hunter in 1894. This concept built on an idea put forward by Ruskin, leading Hunter and Rawnsley to conceive of a trust that could buy and preserve places of natural beauty and historic interest for the nation.

Formation. In July 1894, a provisional council headed by Hill, Hunter, Rawnsley, and Hugh Grosvenor met at Grosvenor House to decide the company's name. The founders were social reformer Octavia Hill, solicitor Sir Robert Hunter, and clergyman Hardwicke Rawnsley, who had agreed to launch such a trust on 16 November 1893.

Incorporation. The National Trust was incorporated on 12 January 1895 as the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty. Articles of association were submitted to the Board of Trade, and the Trust was registered under the Companies Act on this date.

People involved

Sources

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