Post-war attraction opened by Lord Mountbatten calls for public memories 75 years on

Buckland Abbey, a historic Devon site opened to the public during the Festival of Britain by Lord Mountbatten, is marking its 75th anniversary by calling on visitors to share their memories.

The much-loved National Trust property near Tavistock first welcomed visitors in 1951 as part of the nationwide post-war celebration of British culture. Now, 75 years on, the team at the former monastery is inviting the public to help tell its story as part of a new exhibition.

Visitors are being encouraged to share their personal memories of Buckland Abbey, from childhood visits to more recent days out, which will help shape the upcoming exhibition Buckland 75.The display, set to take place in the Abbey’s Nave gallery, will also feature never-before-seen artefacts from the National Trust archives.  

Buckland Abbey first opened its doors to the public in 1951 during the Festival of Britain - a nationwide celebration of post-war culture and optimism - with Lord Mountbatten officially declaring the site open. Since then, generations of visitors have passed through its doors, each leaving with their own memories of the historic estate. Today, as the National Trust marks 75 years of welcoming visitors (having taken full care of the site in 1988), those shared experiences are at the heart of the anniversary exhibition.

Eleanor Hopkinson, Visitor Operations Manager for the National Trust at Buckland Abbey, said: “This much-loved National Trust site on the edge of Dartmoor has seen many changes in its near 750-year history, let alone the last 75 years that it has welcomed visitors. We’re really excited to be capturing memories of its ever-changing history. With this exhibition we get the chance to look at the role Buckland has played in people’s lives and preserve that for the future.

“We want to hear the voices of our visitors and community through this project. Our team of staff and volunteers care deeply about these historic walls and rolling hills, but we want to know what Buckland Abbey means to our visitors from near and far. We’re hoping they will hear our call!”

Mia Condron Asquith, a student at the University of Cambridge, will be playing a key role in the project. She said:“Anniversaries like this are important moments to celebrate not only our historic sites, but the people who have given them meaning over the years. Thanks to the Open-Oxford-Cambridge AHRC DTP Placement Scheme, I am able to lend a hand in capturing these memories in a way that may be enjoyed by future generations.” 

To get involved, readers should email Buckland Abbey atbucklandabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk to arrange an interview. Buckland 75 will be open to the public this autumn.