Learn about disability throughout history with new National Trust film

A new film being promoted by the National Trust, created in collaboration with researchers at the University of Leicester, features the stories of disabled people from across history, including King Henry VIII.

The film, Everywhere and Nowhere examines the lives of ten disabled people connected to properties now managed by the National Trust. The production explores how Henry VIII, suffered an accident and then became reliant on mobility aids, alongside the stories of 9 other historical figures who’s disabilities had been ignored or misrepresented.  

Everywhere and Nowhere was created by the University of Leicester’s Research Centre for Museums and Galleries, which has spent the last 20 years researching the representation of disability in history. Speaking about the film to reporters, National Trust’s director of curation and experience said: “The research revealed many stories of disability built and woven into heritage buildings and objects. It has given us confidence to share histories which are all around us but not always represented at our places, those stories are literally everywhere and nowhere.”

The film can be viewed online here.