The Filkins Estate belonged to the Trustees of the late Sir John Cripps, who generously bequeathed the estate to the Ernest Cook Trust, subject to the interests of his widow, Lady Cripps, who transferred the estate to the Ernest Cook Trust in 2007.

It consists of around 500 acres of farmland, cottages within the village, and the Filkins Workshops. These workshops demonstrate how traditional farm buildings can remain of importance to the local community. The buildings are conserved, maintained, and form an important source of local employment and wealth generation. In addition, traditional crafts and skills are kept alive, which help in the conservation and maintenance of estates.

The Filkins Woolen Mill in a converted barn

Filkins traditional farm buildings in the village

Sir John Cripps worked tirelessly for the Parish Council for forty years. He campaigned locally and nationally for the principle that village communities were worth supporting. He was the Chairman of The Countryside Commission, and was responsible for getting numerous voluntary bodies involved in countryside debates.

Before his death in 1993, Sir John set out to find a body which, in conjunction with his wife Lady Cripps, would be able to continue his work. He chose the Ernest Cook Trust as the appropriate organisation to do this. The Trust is always willing to discuss with land-owners their future requirements for the management of their estates.