The UK’s National Trust has refused a documentary-maker permission to film at a historic site in Northumberland associated with the life and legacy of St Cuthbert due to the filmmaker’s “religious affiliation”.

Christian Holden, who specialises in documentary and promotional work with Christian themes, was commissioned earlier this year to produce a work exploring the Way of St Cuthbert.

He sought permission from the National Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving the UK’s historic cultural legacy, to film at St Cuthbert’s Cave, traditionally believed to be the place where St Cuthbert’s body was laid in 875 AD.

However, the National Trust declined the request, citing a policy against filming with “religious affiliation”. The Trust also expressed disapproval of Holden’s website, saintant.com, because of its religious themes.

The refusal comes in the wake of criticism of the Trust for sidelining Christian heritage in its public programming and internal culture. The shift risks marginalising the country’s foundational Christian history, which has significantly shaped Britain’s culture, architecture and national identity.