Founders of the National Trust (New ed)

Graham Murphy explores the origins of the National Trust through the lives of its three founders - Robert Hunter, Octavia Hill and Hardwicke Rawnsley - and provides a fascinating documentary of the nineteenth century open space movement.

All three were far-sighted individuals with vigorous campaigning track records.

Robert Hunter was a London lawyer who conducted several high-profile court battles on behalf of the Corporation of London and the Commons Preservation Society to save open spaces like Epping Forest, Wimbledon Common and Hampstead Heath from development - protecting Londoners' ancient common rights of access.

Octavia Hill is remembered for transforming ramshackle properties into well-ordered tenements for working class families.

Her recognition of the benefits of access to open spaces in which workers could relax and enjoy nature led to the creation of numerous public gardens across London.

Hardwicke Rawnsley's campaigning credentials were won when he joined the battle to preserve the unspoilt Cumbrian Lake District from a series of railway routes proposed by quarry owners. Here Graham Murphy charts the careers of the National Trust's first chairman, chief fund raiser and secretary, detailing the complex battles which ultimately drew them together to form what is now the largest voluntary organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.