I do not know how well-known National Trust properties are outside the UK. My friends have never heard of it that is for sure. I love the organization, I believe they are one of the wonders of this country. I have visited many of their sites and it always felt like a time travel. A few words about what they do as it is stated on their website: ‘With your help, we protect some of the most important spaces and places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We take care of historic houses, gardens, mills, coastline, forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, nature reserves, villages and pubs – and then we open them up for ever, for everyone.’
Perhaps I was just lucky to see only their success stories until recently and not the difficulties they might face when trying to finance every possible historical place. I went to see Morden Hall Park that is beautiful indeed as the Trust promises on its website.
‘When you step through the gates, you’d be forgiven for imagining yourself to be in the middle of the English countryside. Surrounded by meadows, trees and the gentle sounds of birdsong and running water, the park offers a rare sense of discovery and a chance to get away from it all.’
It is a shame that Morden Hall itself, hidden at the end of the park, is in such a bad state. I found a heavily scaffolded building with broken or just open windows, you can easily walk in and out of the Hall if you like. Well, probably you should climb on to the window sill but then you can have a free tour of the house. Obviously I do not know the financial situation of the area or the National Trust. I also do not know how long the scaffolding had been there but if they are there because the Trust plans any kind of renovation work in the perceivable future then it would be great to state it somehow or at least close those windows. People and animals, rain and sun can all visit the house day and night, there does not seem to be any objection to it.
Morden is not a place that is frequented by tourists but on the day when I visited, locals did enjoy the ‘meadows, trees and the gentle sound of birdsong and running water’. The only small café that was open on the day was also full. It seemed that the community does need the park and probably they would be happy to use the Hall too if anything creative was done with it. Its history goes back to the 18th century and its still there despite human neglect. It would surely deserve a better future.
Adrienn's World 