National Trust Members Lose Free Entry to Manor Despite Funding £3M Roof Repairs

In a surprising turn of events, National Trust members are expressing outrage over losing their free entry privileges to Coughton Court, a 600-year-old manor house in Warwickshire. The members had previously helped raise £3.3 million to fund extensive roof repairs at the estate, which is linked to the Gunpowder Plot.

As part of the "biggest conservation ever made at Coughton Court," visitors were asked to donate £20 each to decorate recycled tiles that were placed on the roof. The repairs were completed in June 2025 after two years of work. However, the Throckmorton family, who have resided at the house since 1409, have now taken over management from the National Trust and have barred members from entering the property free of charge.

This decision has sparked further outrage among National Trust members, with some threatening to never return to the property. The Throckmortons have offered Trust members free entrance on 10 days across 2026, but members feel this is an inadequate gesture considering their significant financial contribution to the roof project.

As the new owners, the Throckmortons have been accused of "reaping the benefits" of the development, leaving National Trust members feeling betrayed. The charity has stated that it is working closely with the family, but the members remain disappointed and are considering boycotting the historic estate.