JohnM20 replied on 28/09/2020 10:20
Posted on 28/09/2020 10:20
I saw on TV yesterday about the National Trust and how approximately 33% (I think) of their properties were linked to the slave trade. The slave trade was abhorrent as was the concept in the first place of capturing and trading of other human beings to do work for others for no pay and generally poor conditions. The resulting wealth from this trade led to a lot of splendid properties being built. But, whenever I visit these properties it not to reflect in the glory of the people who paid to have the properties built but in the skill of the craftspeople who actually did the physical building. None of the 'wealthy', I am sure, would have any idea of how to lay one stone onto another or how to saw a piece of wood. They relied on and paid for skilled craftspeople to do this for them. Yes, the money came from an unacceptable source (in todays climate) but without it those same craftspeople would probably not have a job. It is a moral dilemma but we can't change history. What has happened has happened and all we can do is learn from it.
Changes are being mooted, apparently, about the way the NT operate. These changes include the possibility/probability that educational visits guided by NT staff / volunteers will be stopped. What a short sighted, dumbing down, idea that is. School teachers cannot be expected to know the details of properties that the staff / volunteers know and which helps really bring places to life in the eyes of the children.
1 person likes this
JohnM20
Caravanner