Angry National Trust supporters have pledged to boycott a historic Midlands estate after discovering their membership will no longer grant them entry to the property they helped restore through substantial donations.
The Roof Repair Controversy
The dispute centres around Coughton Court in Warwickshire, a property with significant connections to the Gunpowder Plot. Between 2023 and 2025, the National Trust conducted a £3 million roof repair project at the estate, inviting members and visitors to sponsor individual tiles to fund the restoration work.
However, as the 2025 visitor season concluded this month, Trust members received the shocking news that their membership cards would become invalid at Coughton Court from February 2026. The resident Throckmorton family, who have inhabited the property for 600 years, will resume full management of visitor operations after two decades of National Trust oversight.
Historical Agreement Comes into Play
The management change stems from a 300-year lease agreement established when the property was handed to the National Trust in 1946. This original arrangement permitted the Throckmorton family to continue living at and managing their ancestral home.
According to the National Trust, they had been operating visitor services under a "short-term arrangement" with the Throckmortons since 2005. This arrangement will end in February 2026 when Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton take over complete control of visitor management, including setting admission prices.
Member Backlash and Concessions
The announcement has sparked outrage among National Trust members who contributed to the roof appeal. Social media platforms have become arenas for protest, with many vowing never to return to the property.
Terry Powell expressed the frustration felt by many: "I hope everyone vetoes the place. Stay away. Trust members forked out and raised millions to carry out repairs to this property and the reward from the family is a kick in the face."
Other members echoed similar sentiments. Sally Smith commented: "Won't be going there again, absolutely loved this place. It's local too," while Sandra Shepherd simply stated: "I won't be going back again."
In response to the backlash, the Throckmorton family has offered a concession: National Trust members will receive free admission on ten selected days throughout 2026, though these dates have yet to be announced and will require advance booking.
Official Statements
The National Trust acknowledged the disappointment in their official statement: "We understand the disappointment felt by some people over the changes to access arrangements." They confirmed they are working with the family and hope they will "consider some concessions to members over access to Coughton Court."
The charity also clarified that maintenance responsibilities remain with them as property owners, funded partly by an endowment provided by the Throckmorton family in 1946. Major projects like the roof replacement are prioritised alongside other Trust properties regardless of management arrangements.
Magnus Birch Throckmorton defended the family's position: "We've worked closely with the National Trust to agree on ten selected days next year where its members will be able to enjoy the house and gardens free of charge. While we're under no obligation to open for free to NT members, we understand some may be disappointed."
The family also revealed they will join the Historic Houses membership scheme, providing another avenue for visitors to access Coughton Court alongside hundreds of other UK heritage properties.
