National Trust. Britain's shared ownership of itself.
The National Trust has 5.4 million members, more than every UK political party combined. Britain doesn't trust anyone with its own past.
THE GIST ON NATIONAL TRUST: "Britain's shared ownership of itself"
How big is the National Trust?
5.4 million members, more than every UK political party combined. Turnover last year was £766 million, and £5 million of that was cake. Because Britain doesn't trust anyone with its own past.
Where did it come from?
The story of the National Trust is basically the story of the 20th century. Two world wars, no more servants, and death duties bigger than the estates themselves. The aristocracy went bust, and their great country houses were falling down and nobody wanted them.
Every other country in Europe would have done one of two things: nationalise them, or knock them down.
What did Britain do instead?
Neither. We came up with a charity. It now sits on 500 historic houses and a quarter of a million hectares of land, nearly 2% of the country. And we pay for it: £84 a year to be a member, £176 for a family. Plus, apparently, £5 million a year in cake.
What does that say about us?
This is Britain in one institution. We don't nationalise and we don't demolish. We come up with a third thing: a charity, a trust, a membership body. We don't trust the government to run our history and we definitely don't trust the market to look after it.
5.4 million of us pay to belong. We own a share of Britain's past in a way we've never owned a share of anything else. It's the closest thing Britain has to a functioning shared ownership of itself. Which is your favourite?
Is the National Trust membership worth it?
Your take. One tap, then see how everyone else voted.
Quick answers
How many members does the National Trust have?
5.4 million, more than every UK political party combined, according to Huw.
What does it own?
500 historic houses and a quarter of a million hectares, nearly 2% of the country.
How much is membership?
£84 a year, or £176 for a family.
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