|
|
|
The early life of Lancelot (Capability) Brown Born in an area of great natural beauty Northumberland, rolling hills and fertile valleys. He was born the son of William Browne, a farm labourer, baptised (1716) in the local village church in Kirkharle, where his grandparents Dorothy (died 1699) and Lancelot (died 1700) lay buried. He had two older sisters and two older brothers, and in 1719 a younger sister completed the family. Sadly they were not all together for long as Lancelot’s’ father passed away in 1720,being buried on the 5th August. Little is known of his early life, his mothers Christian and maiden name are not recorded. He did not attend the village school for the later part of his education, but walked 2 miles to Cambo, a school of good repute, staying on until the mature age of 16, quite unusual for one from his background, and bearing in mind that his father was dead, normally he would have been required to work from 12-13 years old to supplement the family’s income. So in 1732 with a reasonable education and undoubted intelligence Lancelot Brown left school and started his apprenticeship at Kirkharle Tower, home of Sir William and Lady Anne Loraine. He was first set to work in the vegetable garden, learning the basic requirements of all plants, and seasonal work required. Sir William Loraine had inherited the estate in 1718, when he was aged 60, and proceeded to make changes, rebuilding some of the derelict parts of the estate. During his time with Sir William Loraine at Kirkharle towers he was Lent, or borrowed by a Mr Shafto, based in Benwell on the outskirts of Newcastle. It would have been unusual to seek the aid of the vegetable garden assistant, so we can only surmise that his gifts and talents were already being recognised, and utilised by the local landowners. In 1739 educated and now with experience of estate work and its management he moves on to Walton, the property of Sir Richard Grenville. |
|
|
