The National Trust preserves places and objects of historic significance in the United Kingdom, including early objects of play.
Headquartered in Swindon, England, the National Trust holds over 500 unique sites to explore. Historic buildings, properties, and landmarks across the UK are managed by the heritage conservation organization. One of these is the Children’s Country House Museum at Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire.
The museum invites visitors to explore children’s play over the centuries. Through contemporary interactive exhibits, children can explore space exploration and games. The museum also looks back at the history of childhood in the region, including school, domestic life, and the impacts of World War II on children and families of that era.
The National Trust is also home to the Betty Cadbury Collection of Playthings Past. Introduced in 1984, the collection includes dolls and accessories from as early as the 18th century, automata, toys, and games. Cadbury is also the author of Playthings Past: A Collector’s Guide to Antique Toys (1976).
The National Trust is Europe’s largest conservation charity.
More information
