The ‘timeless’ countryside of Kedleston Hall.

kedlestone-049

Once upon a time, before 1066 and all that became the most famous date in British history, William of Normandy wanted to get his local French barons interested in helping him conquer England.  Land was the answer.  Vanquish those Anglo-Saxons and English lands would be there for the taking.

A lord called de Courson was one of those who answered that call and came to England, perhaps for the Battle of Hastings, perhaps a little later.  He was rewarded by being given many acres  in Derbyshire.  Over the years, the family name became de Curzun, then Curzon, and the lands at Kedleston which had certainly been claimed by about  1150 have remained with the descendants ever since.

Now it’s one of life’s pleasures to visit the splendid buildings of Kedleston Hall, a classical showcase of fine paintings, sculpture and furniture*, and to stroll round the grounds.

And what grounds!  When we arrived there the other day, it was sunny, with rain promised later, so we set off to make a three mile circuit of the so called ‘Long’ or ‘Ladies’ walk’.  How natural and timeless the landscape seemed.   A charming rustic bridge crosses a serpentine lake.  Woodland was just becoming autumnal.  Spacious meadows spread before us with grazing sheep.  Just as nature intended.

Except it’s all a massive con-trick perpetrated by Robert Adam in 1758.  Away with the out-moded formal geometric garden of Charles Bridgeman! He’d been the Royal Gardener, and only dead 20 years, but his work by then seemed suddenly hopelessly out of fashion.

In with the naturalistic ‘picturesque’ style promoted by Capability Brown.  Out with the public road along which the village straggled untidily, far too near the Queen Anne redbrick house which has itself been replaced.  Village and road were moved.  A brook was dammed and  excavated to become a lake, a stream, gently splashing weirs.  Adam had a ha-ha built – an unseen ditch across which unwanted livestock couldn’t pass: so much more natural-looking than a fence or wall.  Temples and other follies were built or planned,  pleasure grounds too. Sadly today only the hermitage is still around, and even this thatched hut is currently being restored.

If you wanted an afternoon alone with your thoughts, your sketchpad or your book, this thatched hermitage was just the place
If you wanted an afternoon alone with your thoughts, your sketchpad or your book, this thatched hermitage was just the place

Our three mile walk was crammed with pleasure.  There were waterbirds on the lake, Autumn leaves to enjoy, views across the park and surrounding countryside.  Where did the grounds end and open countryside begin?  We didn’t know and didn’t care.  And we hadn’t even seen the house yet.  You can get a taster here.

*There’s even a magnificent bedroom which has never been slept in and is currently being restored: designed to be used if ever the king should come to call…

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

21 thoughts on “The ‘timeless’ countryside of Kedleston Hall.”

  3. Glad you’re out and about. Thought of you today when we did a circular walk at the Gorges de Péyreille. An excellent walk in glorious weather. Our young dog, Daisy, had a whale of a time. I might have said that since last month Nessie is no more.

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    1. Oh, so sorry to hear that. She did have a good life though, non? In fact our Derbyshire trip was just before The Op and I was back for follow up most of today. But I’m fine.

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  5. That’s an interesting story, that something so natural looking is, in fact, so contrived. But absolutely lovely, nonetheless! You must be post-surgery–all well?

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  7. Lovely photos. You inspire me to get out for a short walk this week. I am surrounded by places similar to Kedelston Hall, but not as old, the area was settled in mid 1800s but I never visit or take advantage of the opportunity. Thanks for gentle push. Happy All Hallow’s Eve and have a wonderful week. Glad to know you are on the mend, even if you can’t do housework!

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    1. Not doing housework is always good! We’re lucky in the UK this Autumn in having plenty of fine weather to get out and about. I hope you are too.

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  10. What a great walk and photos. It’s amazing how our history is mainly about what powerful people can get away with! Move in the French Barons, move out that village…suppose there continue to be versions of all that today too – fascinating.

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    1. It’s extraordinary to what extent our English landscape has been shaped by those with the power – and therefore the land. As you say, different times, different versions now.

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