Photo credit: © 9 Hertford Street
On this day in 1783, the famous landscape architect Lancelot Capability Brown met his demise on Hertford Street. As he made his way back to his daughter Bridget’s house after visiting a friend in Piccadilly, he became unwell outside 11 Hertford Street (the 4th Earl of Sandwich’s home). Jane Brown described the event in her publication The Omnipotent Magician:
“He fell – and, being a big man, fell heavily – and being Lancelot Brown, the King’s Master Gardener and a familiar figure, he was soon surrounded by willing helpers. Tradition has it that he fell outside Lord Sandwich’s house, also in Hertford Street, where the footmen knew him well, and so in safe hands he was carried home to his daughter’s house.”
Brown was indeed employed by the Royal Family. In 1764, King George III appointed Brown as Master Gardener at Hampton Court Palace; in addition to a handsome salary, he was given Wilderness House, set within the Palace’s grounds, as his home. He stayed here for the rest of his life.
Brown designed over 170 parks, many of which are still retain his designs. You can see his work most locally at St James’ Park, where he suggested the addition of a lake.
Oh, and his name? He often spoke of the capabilities of the landscape, which earned him the affectionate nickname ‘Capability’ Brown.