Londesborough Parkland & Gardens

Londesborough is the site of the Yorkshire rural retreat of the third Lord Burlington. Sadly, what remains is not the splendour of Chiswick House and its garden, as the house was demolished in 1818. What we can see are the remnants of the garden designed by architect Robert Hooke and built in 1679 for the first Lord Burlington, and re-modelled by the third Lord Burlington, who visited most years for the hunting and shooting, and his gardener Thomas Knowlton.

The Grade I listed Church of All Saints, which contains memorials to the Burlington family, was also open to visit. Thomas Knowlton’s grave is in the churchyard.

This was a chance to explore the flattish area around the house site, where there were lawns and a wilderness, as well as the parkland beyond with a walled kitchen garden, avenues, cascades and lakes.    

The day will started with refreshments in the Concert Hall. David Neave gave an introductory talk in the Hall, drawing on his historical research and afterwards there was time to eat packed lunches, and look at plans.

For an illustrated report please see Yorkshire Gardens Trust Newsletter 53, Autumn 2023, p8

https://www.yorkshiregardenstrust.org.uk/sites/yorkshiregardenstrust.or…