The National Trust has opened Leith Hill Place in Surrey to the public for the first time in nearly 40 years. Childhood home of Ralph Vaughan Williams, the 17th-century property was bestowed to the National Trust by the composer in 1944. Leith Hill Place was also home to the Wedgewood family, and a frequent place of residence for Charles Darwin, who conducted research there.

The National Trust are providing a guided sound installation – 'The Life and Music of Ralph Vaughan Williams' - in the attics of the property, and have also teamed with the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society to organise two concerts there featuring the composer's music: violinist Jessica Coleman and pianist Alison Rhind perform chamber works on August 31; and Rebeca Omordia performs piano works on September 14. There will also be a number of hands-on family activities. Click here for further information. 

Click the first image to launch the gallery below:

All images courtesy of the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society