Furious National Trust members have vowed to boycott Coughton Court in Warwickshire after their free entry rights were revoked by the resident Throckmorton family, months after the charity completed a £3 million roof repair. The family will take over management of the estate from February 2026, meaning Trust members will no longer be admitted free of charge, despite having contributed to the roof appeal.
The Throckmortons, who have lived at the property for 600 years, hold a 300-year lease dating back to 1946 when ownership was transferred to the National Trust. Under a short-term arrangement since 2005, the Trust managed visitor operations, but the family will now set admission fees. Some members on social media expressed outrage, with one calling for a boycott and urging that member-generated funds never be used on the property again.
In response, the Throckmortons have offered Trust members free admission on ten selected days in 2026, with exact dates to be announced. Magnus Birch Throckmorton stated they have a 'fantastic relationship' with the Trust and are joining the Historic Houses membership scheme. The National Trust defended the roof repairs as necessary regardless of management, noting an endowment from the family funds routine upkeep but major projects require additional support.
