Founders of the National Trust

Graham Murphy explores the origins of the National Trust through the lives of its three founders—Robert Hunter, Octavia Hill and Hardwicke Rawnsley—and provides a fascinating documentary of the 19th century open space movement. Robert Hunter was a London lawyer who conducted several high-profile court battles to save open spaces like Epping Forest, Wimbledon Common, and Hampstead Heath from development. Octavia Hill is remembered for transforming ramshackle properties into well-ordered tenements for working class families. Hardwicke Rawnsley's campaigning credentials were won when he joined the battle to preserve the unspoilt Cumbrian Lake District from a series of railway routes proposed by quarry owners. Here Graham Murphy charts the careers of the National Trust's first chairman, chief fundraiser, and secretary, detailing the complex battles which ultimately drew them together to form what is now the largest voluntary organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.