Responses to Richard Morrison on the woes of the National Trust

Two responses to Richard Morrison’s analysis of the National Trust’s financial troubles, from Jeffrey Haworth and Prof. James Stevens Curl

Sir, The National Trust has a winning formula that suits millions of committed supporters. But recent changes at the properties, made in good faith, may be upsetting the golden geese on which the trust relies.

Hitherto, members have considered that the trust protects the “Old England” they love, and remembered it in their wills. But four years ago the trust took on 90 staff “with curator in their job title”, mostly from museums, the centre of woke. All but 28 of the trust’s mansions have since been deemed second division and eligible for change. With the impending job losses comes an opportunity for the trust to put its architectural legacy to the fore, led by an expert on historic architecture. Its present competence with architecture is shown by its refusal to restore the superlative Marble Hall at Clandon, in favour of a costly modernist installation. A change of tack is overdue.
Jeffrey Haworth
Malvern, Worcs

Sir, Richard Morrison’s warnings about the future of our historic buildings and landscapes are timely (Times2, Jul 18). The adoption of “trendy social justice and eco-warrior causes” by the National Trust in particular has not only infuriated many of us, but borne out what we have been saying for many years. There are ideologies, individuals and groups determined to obliterate history and its physical manifestations, especially works of distinguished historical architecture. There are even those in the churches who perceive fine old ecclesiastical buildings as “redundant plant”. A nation without historic buildings resembles a person with no memory. Poland understood that after 1945. Britain seems determined to forget it.
Professor James Stevens Curl
Holywood, Co Down