Dogs of the National Trust

Book excerpt: Many incredible dogs have lived at National Trust places – and still do. This book tells their stories, from faithful Gelert immortalised in stone at Beddgelert and the celebrated Spaniels bred at Clumber Park, to the tiny Pekingese inhabiting Ightham Mote’s enormous stone-built kennel – originally built to house Dido the St Bernard. Discover the digs at the side of some of Britain’s greatest figures, such as Churchill’s Poodle Rufus, Agatha Christie’s beloved ‘dog in a thousand’ Peter and Thomas Hardy’s tyrannical Terrier Wessex, who delighted his master but terrorised guests. Meet also the canine colleagues who live and work at National Trust properties today. Whether herding sheep, guarding historical homes or greeting guests, these faithful dogs have become an integral, beloved chapter in the stories of their adopted National Trust workplaces and homes.