‘Trust Us’: a response from Hilary McGrady

In response to Charles Moore’s Spectator article ‘Broken Trust’, Hilary McGrady writes:

‘I refute Charles Moore’s assertions that the National Trust frowns on local expertise, ignores its members and is prone to ideological zealotry. National Trust houses are historic treasures of national importance and we are very proud to care for them. Before the pandemic, the Trust was spending three times more on its houses than on coast and countryside. Covid has caused regrettable staff reductions, but we still have more curatorial posts than we did several years ago. This is hardly an organisation ‘attacking the very idea of country houses.

The report looking at links with slavery and colonialism was not driven by ideology, our intention was simply to acknowledge factually these aspects of history. In a 2020 Policy Exchange survey, 76 per cent of respondents said we should do more to educate the public about such connections. There is no truth in the allegation that we are pursuing a political agenda.

The National Trust is a charity built on local knowledge, including that of many thousands of brilliant volunteers. Members are the Trust’s lifeblood and are consulted through correspondence and surveys all the time. Right now, I am delighted that our membership numbers are back in growth and am focused on making sure that every single member and visitor enjoys everything the National Trust can offer after this most challenging of years.’

Hilary McGrady, Director-General, National Trust in the Spectator