The National Trust Dig Into History
Ann Hills on attempts to recreate authentic historic houses and grounds
When the lake at Berrington Hall in Herefordshire was dredged last summer, the swans were temporarily removed and the carp sold off. By winter the swans had returned to the enlarged expanse of water, originally designed by Capability Brown as a romantic feature in the grounds of the hall, which was built by Henry Holland, Brown's son-in-law and architect to the Prince Regent.
Today, the pond is nearly the shape the great landscaper intended, although an area of land with reeds and weeds has been left to provide habitat for birds and insects. Thanks to old illustrations and maps, native trees have been replanted in the same spots as 200 years ago, and the pastoral view from the house has been recaptured with sheep again grazing beyond the ha-ha. That has been rebuilt following the original course, discovered when the stones of the old walls were excavated from beneath tons of earth.
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