The National Trust has announced, without warning or consultation, that Owletts, St Johns Jerusalem and Cobham Mausoleum (all in north Kent) will close to visitors except for one 'heritage' weekend this year (and in the future) "as a trial".  

Please help us express the community's desire to maintain access to each of these properties, which have been loyally cared for and opened on a regular basis throughout many summer seasons by dedicated volunteers. These smaller properties each have unique social, historic, and architectural interest which attracts both British and international visitors.

We have not yet had satisfactory answers from the National Trust for the following:

- What is the financial justification for closing these properties?

- Have they considered the legal implications of reducing access to properties funded by public money?

- Is this fulfilling their charitable objectives, 'For everyone, for ever?'

- How will this "trial" be assessed? What are the measures of success? How often will this be reviewed, and to whom?  

Owletts is an example of large Kentish Yeoman's house, built in 1684 containing an exquisite plaster ceiling. It was and gifted by Sir Herbert Baker and has been lived in by the family since 1793. It retains furniture and features from its long history, and a lovely welcome to visitors who always comment on how special it is to visit a house still lived in by the family. The Gertrude Jekyll-inspired gardens have been a delight and refuge for many, providing an informal, family-friendly space to relax. 

 The current Baker tenants are in process of a rent review, in which it was stated by the Trust that the house would only open for 2 days, one heritage weekend per year. This directly contradicts that announcement of a '1 to 2 year trial'. We understand the Trust aim to offer a new 5 year tenancy agreement with significantly increased (even doubled?) rent, on the basis of it being a private home with only 2 open days each year. This would most likely end  over 200 years of the donor Family's residence. 

Cobham Mausoleum was built by John Wyatt for the Earls of Darnley. The building was severely damaged and vandalised prompting a full, award-winning restoration , in 2010 including £6million of public money (including the Lottery Funding and ODPM,  and Union Railways).  Closing it for all but one weekend a year does not represent a good use of public money. Is this fulfilling their motto, 'For everyone, for ever?'

These two properties bring a lot of visitors to Cobham village, supporting the local pubs, community -run shop and village Church (with important collection of historic brasses). Owletts has been open each summer Sunday (26 days a year) and had rising numbers each year of members and non-members, despite very little Trust advertising. Owletts hosted charity fundraisers, open garden days, archery/falconry events and Living History Days, all of which were a draw for the local community who may not have otherwise ever visited. This increased the access and familiarity of local, nationl and international visitors, engaging them with a significant piece of Kentish (and Colonial) heritage. Owletts also hosted tours for local groups, schools and scout troops. Local volunteers have always acted as guides, and the local primary school ran regular PTA events here. The community are devastated by this decision, which means that integral parts of its history are only to be available on a few days.