Capability Brown: the Northumbrian who changed the English landscape

By Helen Ford

He was born 300 years ago, and became a landscape designer to the rich and famous. Lancelot 'Capability' Brown changed the face of eighteenth century England, and gave us views that endure to this day.

Brown's Northumberland heritage is less well known, yet he spent a third of his life in the county. Lancelot Brown was born on the Kirkharle estate near Kirkwhelpington in 1716; the son of a farmer. Although his exact birth date is unknown, it was likely to have been in August as he was baptised at the end of that month.

Brown went to school in the nearby village of Cambo. It's suggested that his early walk to school through the Northumberland countryside was the inspiration for his later career.

After a seven year apprenticeship at Kirkharle, Brown left the North East. He quickly established a successful career, becoming a head gardener and the go-to landscape architect to the aristocracy. He was even appointed Chief Gardener to King George III.

Portrait of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, c 1770-75, by Richard Cosway (1742-1821)/Private Collection/Bridgeman Images

Capability Brown was part of a movement in English design which turned its back on the formal, French style of gardening, to embrace more natural, expansive landscapes. In reality, his work was far from natural, requiring large numbers of labourers to move earth, create water features and plant trees.

Much of Brown's work was carried out at the great mansions and stately homes in the south and midlands; including Blenheim Palace, Stowe and Croome. Then, at the peak of his career, he was invited by the first Duke of Northumberland to redesign the landscape at Alnwick Castle. Today, his vision is enjoyed by thousands of visitors to the castle and it is the most northerly example of his work.

Alongside Capability Brown's celebrated work sit several mysteries. One concerns the so-called Owl House on the National Trust's Wallington estate in Northumberland. There is no documentation to link it directly to Brown but it bears a striking resemblance to two of his other architectural designs. Wallington's Head Gardener Simon Thompson says maybe, just maybe, a document will emerge to prove Brown's designership.

Meanwhile, at Brown's birthplace at Kirkharle, work has been taking place to bring one of his designs to life. Thirty five years ago, the current owners, Kitty and John Anderson discovered a plan for a lake on the estate which was never built. After confirming the design as a genuine Brown, they brought his idea to life.

Capability Brown left Northumberland to find fame and fortune but his connections with his home county remain strong. In this, the 300th anniversary of his birth, his legacy lives on for us all to enjoy.

Click here for details of events to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown's birth.

Watch Helen Ford's report on ITV News Tyne Tees: