National Trust
I saw on TV yesterday about the National Trust and how approximately 33% (I think) of their properties were linked to the slave trade. The slave trade was abhorrent as was the concept in the first place of capturing and trading of other human beings to do work for others for no pay and generally poor conditions. The resulting wealth from this trade led to a lot of splendid properties being built. But, whenever I visit these properties it not to reflect in the glory of the people who paid to have the properties built but in the skill of the craftspeople who actually did the physical building. None of the 'wealthy', I am sure, would have any idea of how to lay one stone onto another or how to saw a piece of wood. They relied on and paid for skilled craftspeople to do this for them. Yes, the money came from an unacceptable source (in todays climate) but without it those same craftspeople would probably not have a job. It is a moral dilemma but we can't change history. What has happened has happened and all we can do is learn from it.
Changes are being mooted, apparently, about the way the NT operate. These changes include the possibility/probability that educational visits guided by NT staff / volunteers will be stopped. What a short sighted, dumbing down, idea that is. School teachers cannot be expected to know the details of properties that the staff / volunteers know and which helps really bring places to life in the eyes of the children.
Comments
-
I also saw that piece on TV, and agree with what you say ,about guided tours ,it seems they are trying make a case for some more money to keep properties open?
Or maybe trying to soften up every one to mothballing of properties ,as they have found with the recent closures it saves money , the accountants have said
PS most slaves were bought when "sold" by their own countrymen
0 -
Its almost inevitable that anything historical will have past links to abhorrent and inhuman practices that are no longer tolerated. What does matter is that such practices form part of the educational and informative exchange that one gets through visiting such places.
The slave trade, colonialism, apartheid, persecution of religious groups, subservience of women, working to death of the poor..........all form part of this country’s history. You cannot turn back the clock, only make sure that such practices never return, and that they are understood and acknowledged.
Sadly, from a personal point of view, I think there are still aspects of the above that linger today. ☹️
2 -
Most of our history has some form of enslavement, the Romans, the Vikings etc all used it. The feudal serfs up to the industrial revolution and the cotton and sugar trade. Whole cities were built on it, it's probably right that the NT should promote this aspect more openly. The bigger problem for them now is the 200 million pound drop in revenue and that must be a huge financial nightmare. So many things are going to change after this Covid crisis.
1 -
The NT is now run by a group of Zealots with a blinkered mindset. They are trying to rewrite history. This institution has lost its way and is "no longer fit for purpose". As mentioned above abhorrent practices have been going on for ever and still is .Why just pick on this one event?
3 -
History is history, right or wrong, we should never try to hide or change it. The main thing is the truth of history, It happened, it cannot be undone. Stop trying to blame and persecute long dead people involved in slavery in the past. Consentrate on stopping the slavery that is happening now and still carried on today. Our ancestors did not feel they were doing anything illegal or wrong at the time, in fact most of them were benefators to the poor and needy of our country. Do not burn history books.
6 -
How about something POSITIVE ?? !! The " National Trust" are making it easier for motorhomers / campervans to visit their sites !! As are the Scotish Highlands !! Yippee !! 
. 2
