The National Trust is a charitable organization dedicated to heritage conservation in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a separate National Trust for Scotland. Established in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter, and Hardwicke Rawnsley, its mission is to preserve lands and buildings of beauty or historical significance for the benefit of the nation. The National Trust Act of 1907 granted it statutory powers. Initially acquiring land through gifts and public subscriptions, it later received properties from the National Land Fund after World War II due to the loss of country houses. While it still owns numerous country houses and estates, the Trust is also known for protecting wild landscapes, such as those in the Lake District and Peak District. Its diverse holdings include historic houses, castles, monuments, gardens, parks, and nature reserves, totaling nearly 250,000 hectares of land and 780 miles of coastline. Additionally, the Trust owns smaller houses associated with famous individuals, such as the childhood homes of Beatles members John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The Trust's properties are often open to the public with free entry for members, while open spaces remain accessible to all without charge. With an annual income of over £680 million, funding primarily comes from membership subscriptions, donations, legacies, property income, shop and restaurant profits, and investments. Grants from various organizations, including charities, government departments, local authorities, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, also contribute to its resources.

National Trust - Wikipedia