Capability Brown's name has become synonymous with landscaped gardens across the UK – and National Trust properties in particular.
His horticultural influence in creating gardens and parklands that replicate the beauty of nature is still felt today, and many of his designs took around a century to fully develop. Here, we take a look at his life and horticultural legacy.
Who was Capability Brown?
Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was an English landscape architect and gardener. He became one of the UK's most famous designers in the 18th century and his influence on gardening can still be seen today.
He redesigned hundreds of parks and gardens throughout the UK, such as Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth and Highclere Castle. Many of the estates he designed are now part of National Trust sites.
Why was Lancelot Brown called 'Capability'?
Lancelot's nickname came from his beliefs that country estates as having great 'capabilities' for improvement.
How many gardens did Capability Brown design?
It's thought that Capability Brown helped redesign hundreds of gardens across England and Wales – with English Heritage stating the highest figure of over 250.
What is the Capability Brown gardening style?
Capability Brown's garden style emphasised natural-looking landscapes, combining the two principles of comfort and elegance. He moved and created hills, flooded rivers to create lakes and planted woodlands to create a natural effect in extensive parklands. While these might look 'natural' today, it involved lots of careful planning and manual labour.
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Where did Capability Brown live?
While Capability Brown frequently travelled around for work, he bought a manor in Huntingdon in East Anglia in 1768.
How did Capability Brown die?
Capability Brown suddenly died after collapsing on the doorstep of his daughter's house. While some theories state that he died after suffering a punch earlier in the evening, or as a result from asthma, there is no conclusive evidence of this.
Where is Capability Brown buried?
Capability Brown is buried in the church of St Peter and St Paul in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire.
Main image: Portrait of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown by Nathaniel Dance-Holland, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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