A prospect beyond History : The contextual analysis of the designed landscapes in the North Riding, Yorkshire during the long- Eighteenth Century

L. E. Johansen, A Prospect Beyond History: A Contextual Analysis of the Designed Landscapes in the North
Riding, Yorkshire during the Long- Eighteenth Century. Submission of thesis for PhD. Bibliographic
Details: 2 Volumes; pages; 186 illustrations, 96 in colour; five figures; 7 tables.
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.