We're partnering with the National Trust to reveal stories from interwar Britain

2-3 minute read

By Daisy Goddard | July 18, 2023

This exciting new partnership harnesses our extensive record collection to delve deeper into the history of places cared for by the National Trust up and down the country.

We are delighted to announce a major new partnership with the National Trust.

Since its founding in 1895, the National Trust has been caring for historic places across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Like Findmypast, its mission is to preserve our shared history for future generations to discover and enjoy.

Uncovering fascinating new stories

With this partnership, we'll be uncovering the stories of places that the National Trust looks after, using some of the 14 billion records and 67 million newspaper pages in our collection.

As the exclusive online home of the 1921 Census of England and Wales, who better than Findmypast to illuminate the interwar stories of some of England's most historic places?

The 1921 Census will play a key role in this partnership, as it provides a true insight into interwar Britain and the stories that took place within the walls of ten historic places.

Birmingham Back to Backs, a historic place cared for by the National Trust.

It has allowed us to turn the spotlight to those whose stories often get forgotten - the domestic staff of grand manor houses, and members of the local community.

To quote Helen Antrobus, Assistant National Curator at the National Trust:

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to use the 1921 Census and Findmypast’s extensive collections to reveal new stories about the people and communities of our shared national places... We’re delighted to be partnering with Findmypast to tell these rich and fascinating stories, which we hope will connect current and future generations with the people that helped shaped these places over 100 years ago."

From parish records, passenger lists, and electoral rolls to military records and newspapers, our vast collection has allowed us to uncover the histories of heritage sites looked after by the National Trust, many of which have never before been told.

What will this partnership look like?

Our partnership activities will launch in July at Quarry Bank in Cheshire, which is one of Britain's best-preserved industrial heritage sites.

Quarry Bank.

A further nine places cared for by the Trust will launch activities in September as part of Heritage Open Days. This will involve curatorial displays, exhibitions, games, tours and much more, to bring these fascinating century-old stories to life. These places include:

A La Ronde, Devon
Avebury, Wiltshire
Birmingham Back to Backs
Blickling, Norfolk
Cotehele, Cornwall
Knightshayes, Devon
Sizergh, Cumbria
The Workhouse, Nottinghamshire
Wordsworth House, Cumbria

How can I get involved?

We're inviting you to discover exciting histories for yourself, by making records relating to over 200 places cared for by the National Trust available to browse for free.

Keep your eyes peeled for details of our launch activities, which are taking place into the autumn.

Tamsin Todd, CEO of Findmypast, said:

"Using Findmypast’s extensive data and our millions of inter-connected family trees, we can reveal the stories of people’s lives in more detail than ever before – from soldiers and servants to heiresses and millworkers... I hope that this partnership will inspire people to research the history of their own families and the places they lived."

This partnership promises to bring England's historic stories to life in a new and exciting way. With the 1921 Census and so much more, Findmypast is delighted to be helping to uncover the shared history of places and communities across the country, stretching back over 100 years.