( abbr the NT )
a British organization for preserving old buildings and beautiful countryside so that people can visit and enjoy them. Its full name is the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest and Natural Beauty. It began as a small private organization in 1895 but is now the largest private owner of land in Britain, having bought or been given historic houses, whole villages, stately homes , gardens and many areas of land. The Trust has more than two million members, which makes it one of the most popular membership groups in Britain. Many houses owned by the Trust have a shop and a café for visitors.
Compare English Heritage .