My Claremont Landscape Garden vlog is now live!
Link:-
The garden was designed by architect, playwright and spy John Vanbrugh after he bought the estate in 1709. It accompanied the original Claremont House. In 1714 Vanbrugh sold the estate to Thomas Pelham-Holles (twice prime Minister and later Duke of Newcastle) who commissioned other key features such as the amphitheatre and lake. But the Duke's excessive spending forced him to mortgage the house to Robert, Lord Clive, known as Clive of India due to him being a commander of the burgeoning British empire. Lancelot "Capability" Brown designed a new replacement mansion (now Claremont Fan Court School next door, and not open to visitors).
Princess Charlotte, the nationally adored daughter of the Prince Regent (later George IV) moved into Claremont in 1816 with her new husband, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg. She spent the happiest days of her life here, but sadly that life was cut short in 1817, when she died giving birth to a stillborn son. Prince Leopold retained custody of Claremont for the rest of his life, erecting a mausoleum dedicated to his late wife high on the hill. As a young princess, Queen Victoria loved visiting here as it got her away from her overbearing mother and the stifling atmosphere of Kensington Palace.
Acquired by the National Trust in 1949, find out about how the Island Pavilion was used by the Duke of Newcastle and his wife, Harriet, for writing letters and informal dining. It had its own kitchen (and, hopefully something resembling a toilet, as the Duke loved to feast on fruit- especially pineapples- which often had unfortunate consequences!) I've written a short story (which was a runner-up in a competition!) inspired by this- it's called For Glory! and features in my anthology, From Milk To Cream. Amazon link:-
Come and take a walk through the woods and I'll show you a peacock, a boar and a bear. We'll also gaze over the amphitheatre apex at the stunning view.
Don't forget to check out the blog I have put together about this stunning garden. As you know, I will always be a writer before anything else!
Blog link:-
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TTFN
The Miss Elaineous
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