Duddingston Park, Edinburgh.

‘It amused Mr Loudon to write that “The name of the rural artist, whose original plans we have examined, was James Robertson, sent down from London. We know of no example in any country of so perfect a specimen of Brown's manner. Nor do we know one in which the details are so consistent and co-operate so well together in producing a sort of tame, spiritless beauty, of which we cannot give a distinct idea. It does not resemble avowed art, nor yet natural scenery. It seems, indeed, as if nature had commenced the work and changed her mind, refusing to add to her productions those luxuriant and seemingly superfluous appendages which produce variety and grace.” This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024).

More about Duddingston Park

The 18th century ‘Brownian’ park survives as a golf course with the encircling tree belt in good condition. The clumps they enclose have become strips of woodland between the fairways of the golf course. The mansion is in good condition.

If you are not a golfer, the main interest of Duddingston Park is John Claudius Loudon's ascerbic criticism of the design and historic landscape design and the designer.