Rescue and Reuse

8.Visit

The Arnolfini, Bristol.

Pilgrimages

When Chaucer’s pilgrims set out for Canterbury, they chose to make the excursion in the spring, and to meet up in a London tavern with – the poet notes – spacious rooms, and excellent food and ale. In some ways, the expectations of visitors have altered little in 600 years.

In other respects, visits to historic sites and museums have changed a great deal. During the early 20th century, most holidaymakers in the United Kingdom went by train and, once at their destination, did not travel widely. At that time, members of the National Trust – a tiny number, and mostly middle class – might visit its properties ...