A National Trust Miscellany: The National Trust's Greatest Secrets & Surprises

Staggering statistics, strange facts, and surprising information from the National Trust are included in this collection, such as who needs an upside-down lighthouse, how to tell a gargoyle from a hunky punk, the top 10 historical toilets, the best place to see a UFO, and why you would hang toast on a tree.

Format: Hardback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The National Trust is a fascinating organization that has accumulated a wealth of strange statistics, fascinating facts, and unexpected discoveries. From haunted houses to baffling objects, bizarre buildings to curious characters, there is no shortage of intriguing content to explore. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most surprising and intriguing aspects of the National Trust.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the National Trust is its collection of upside-down lighthouses. These lighthouses were designed to be visible to ships passing by, even in the darkest of nights. While the concept may seem strange, these lighthouses have played an important role in maritime history.

Another fascinating aspect of the National Trust is its collection of gargoyles. Gargoyles are mythical creatures that are often depicted as winged demons or beasts. While their purpose is unclear, they have been used for centuries to scare away evil spirits and protect buildings. The National Trust has a collection of gargoyles from various historical periods, including medieval and Victorian times.

In addition to its collection of gargoyles, the National Trust also has a collection of unusual objects. One of the most famous objects in the collection is the "Duchess of Sutherland's Bed," which is a four-poster bed that was once used by Queen Victoria's daughter, the Duchess of Sutherland. The bed is made of mahogany and is decorated with intricate carvings and embellishments.

Another unusual object in the collection is the "Titanic Bell," which was recovered from the wreck of the Titanic. The bell was originally used to signal the end of a day on the ship and is now on display at the National Trust's headquarters in London.

The National Trust also has a collection of bizarre buildings. One of the most famous buildings in the collection is the "Tower of London," which is a medieval castle that has been used as a royal palace, prison, and even a zoo. The tower is famous for its impressive architecture, including its famous White Tower, which is made of white limestone.

In addition to its collection of buildings, the National Trust also has a collection of curious characters. One of the most famous characters in the collection is the "Duchess of Sutherland," who was a wealthy aristocrat who lived in the 19th century. The Duchess was known for her eccentricity and her love of the supernatural. She was also a keen collector of art and literature, and her collection is now on display at the National Trust's headquarters.

Another curious character in the collection is the "Titanic Bell Boy," who was a young man who worked on the Titanic when it sank in 1912. The Bell Boy was one of the few survivors of the disaster and was able to rescue several passengers before the ship sank. He was later awarded the British Empire Medal for his bravery.

In addition to its collection of strange objects, fascinating facts, and curious characters, the National Trust also has a wealth of secrets and surprises. For example, did you know that the National Trust has its own private army? The army is made up of volunteers who are trained to protect the Trust's properties and artifacts.

Another secret of the National Trust is that it has its own private zoo. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants. The zoo is also home to a collection of rare and endangered species, including the Asian elephant and the African bush elephant.

Finally, the National Trust also has its own private railway. The railway is used to transport volunteers and visitors to the Trust's properties and artifacts. The railway is also used to transport the Trust's collection of rare and endangered animals to their new homes.

In conclusion, the National Trust is a fascinating organization that has accumulated a wealth of strange statistics, fascinating facts, and unexpected discoveries. From its collection of upside-down lighthouses to its collection of gargoyles, bizarre buildings to curious characters, there is no shortage of intriguing content to explore. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys learning about the strange and unusual, the National Trust has something for everyone. So why not take a trip to one of the Trust's properties and discover the secrets and surprises that await you?

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 126 x 188 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911657439