hill

She was one of the most influential social reformers of the Nineteenth Century and was an active promoter of improved housing conditions for the poor in London. In 1864, with money lent to her by John Ruskin, Octavia brought her first slum houses and had them renovated.

Octavia was upset by the loss of the countryside around London and this convinced her of the need to preserve public open spaces – ‘Open Air Sitting Rooms for the poor’ – and to secure access to the countryside for everyone, regardless of where they lived or their wealth.

In 1895 the National Trust was founded by Octavia Hill and others.
The nearest National Trust places to Darrick Wood include Knole Park, Chartwell and Squerryes
Court.