Sir Robert Hunter (1844–1913) is one of three figures regarded as the principal founders of the National Trust. It was he who came up with the idea for the organization, paved the way for its legal creation and served as its first Chairman.

Hunter was never one to crave public attention; nevertheless he was a highly influential figure behind the scenes of the late-Victorian movement for landscape and building preservation in Britain. His love of nature, of open spaces, and of the infinite pleasures to be had from countryside resulted in the saving of open landscapes – including preventing the enclosure of Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest¬ – along with the protection of footpaths and ancient monuments.

Hunter’s death aged 69 in 1913 was a tragic loss. A century later we remember the many achievements of this ‘faithful servant of the people’.

Wales is a fascinating mix of wonderful mountain and coastal scenery, interesting towns and ancient castles.

Journey Through Wales

Never have two centres of learning produced such a combination of intellectual genius, academic achievement, sporting prowess, red-hot rivalry, scandal, sexual liberation, gluttony and violent uprising as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

A useful, fascinating, witty, sometimes irreverent guide and miscellany comparing the two universities’ histories, alumni, achievements,
characters, eccentricities and scandals from foundation to today – warts and all. Part historical guide, part tourist guide, part quick reference almanac and miscellany of facts and figures, this is an all-round engaging and lively read. Invaluable for all those who want to know the real and unabridged Oxford and Cambridge. A perfect companion to the Pitkin City Guides.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

In 1914, the war aim of all nations was simple: victory. By the time that victory came about in 1918 the celebrations were muted. Too much had been lost, and tragedy had touched almost every household. 

This Pitkin guide presents the history of the reality and the horrors of the Great War, which left a deep impact on a generation and subsequent generations, marked by the war graves and memorials in Flanders that still move visitors.

Contemporary photographs, propaganda and maps bring this sobering period of world history to life.

Look out for more Pikin Guides on history and heritage.

Castles were introduced into England by the Normans in the 11th century, with more than 1500 built throughout England and Wales over the next 400 years.

Colourful photos of castles now and artworks showing what they looked like centuries ago accompany informative detail about topics such as medieval castle life, knights and chivalry, and the castle as a home as well as fortress.

Also includes a list of interesting castles to visit, including some National Trust properties.

A book for lovers of England and her history.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

On 6 June the greatest landing force ever assembled began the Allied Liberation of France and Europe. In this Italian translation of the Pitkin Guide, enhanced with many contemporary photographs and maps, visitors and veterans can visit the beaches, landmarks, museums and cemeteries of Normandy. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

Chartres Cathedral

A well researched with stunning photographs guide to Celtic Wales. In the Welsh hills and valleys, something of the Celtic culture and language survives – this is its story. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

The landmark of many cities is the cathedral. Some had their beginnings as monastic buildings, have stood for nearly a thousand years, and remain essential icons, or even emblems, of a city’s character.

Yet not all cathedrals look alike, and indeed these buildings were often the pioneers of new architecture as it developed over the centuries. Here, Cathedral Architecture takes the reader on a journey through time, enjoying the architectural experience of the styles of the Normans, Early English, Decorated Gothic, Perpendicular Gothic, and English Renaissance through to modern day.

A beautifully illustrated guide featuring many of Britain’s best-loved cathedrals.

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An indispensable guide to help discover Cambridge, a city of both modern and ancient beauty whose rich history unfolds as you explore its ancient streets and buildings.

This guide is based on two circular walks to show visitors the absolute best that the city of Cambridge has to offer, with extra diversions and places to visit for those who have longer to spend exoploring the city.

Containing informative histories of the city and of individual buildings as well as modern-day attractions, the guide tells how visitors can enjoy the university colleges, where many great scientists lived and worked, and see the wonderful buildings, courts, gardens and unrivalled architecture of Cambridge.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, including other titles in our popular City Guides series.

Also available in: Chinese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish.