A prospect beyond history : the contextual analysis of the designed landscapes in the North Riding, Yorkshire during the long-eighteenth century

• Main Author: Johansen, Leslie E.
• Published: University of York 2009
• Subjects: 942
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.516588

This thesis is in response to Tom Williamson's study of the parks and gardens in Norfolk. Through an inclusive and multi-contextual approach Williamson dispelled notions of a teleological evolution of designed landscapes over the eighteenth century. In response this thesis analyzed 126 designed landscape parks and gardens within the North Riding through a multi-contextual approach. The analysis of these parks and gardens through a socio-economic context was carried out revealing that the great landowners and land magnates established precedence for the continued maintenance of formal elements within the designed landscapes through out the long-eighteenth century; a trend which was emulated by the members of the greater gentry and lesser gentry. By reviewing the landowners and their designed landscapes through a socio-political context, highlighted alternative narratives through which we can study eighteenth century designed landscapes. Reviewing the national and regional contexts of these landowners through their marital, political and various social contexts, including membership to London Gentlemen's Clubs such as Whites and Brooks's, revealed that the gentlemen of the North Riding were not disconnected from the national context. Analyzing the traditional or progressive stance of the landowners through analysis of their political and religious affinities determined. Whilst some of the landowners were traditional, this traditionalism was not reflected within their designed landscapes. Additionally the maintenance or retention of formal elements within the design transcended political and religious affinities, as landowners regardless of traditional or liberal affinity were taking part in this regional trend. Lastly and conclusively, the designed landscapes in conjunction with these various narratives were analyzed within both a geographical and topographical contexts. Although this analysis highlighted some regional trends occurring within the riding, it revealed that social constructs and connectivity often over-rode regionality based upon individual geographical and topographical situation. Additionally this process elucidated lines of communication occurring across the riding, represented in a regional chronology of design. Through the exploration of alternative narratives, namely the Gentlemen's Clubs, established a venue in which this communication occurred.