Loudon design Great Tew

‘Mr Loudon’s planning aims for farms were to introduce Berwickshire husbandry to England. It would be based on a 4-crop rotation, starting with potatoes. He believed that farmers should respect nature when planning for use and beauty, as Dr Coventry had recommended. The necessary science related to ploughing, drainage, manuring, feeding, pasturage and pest control. He wondered if he had gone too far in writing that ‘time only is requisite for the trees and hedges to render Tew Lodge the most magnificent ferme ornée in England.' ‘No’, he decided. ‘It is nothing but the truth.' This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024).

Loudon’s Great Tew ferme ornée pioneered landscape design for use, beauty and profit

In 1808, Loudon leased from George Frederick Stratton, the owner of Great Tew Park, the estate known as Great Tew Farm. This role offered Loudon the opportunity to not only apply his theoretical knowledge of agriculture but also to experiment with new practices and showcase his design skills. Loudon's approach to managing the farm emphasised efficiency and innovation. He implemented modern farming techniques, introduced new machinery, and prioritised sustainable practices. His efforts resulted in increased crop yields and improved land management, serving as a model for other agricultural endeavours. His aim was to design a farm that was useful, beautiful and profitable.

After re-designing the Tew Valley and building a farm house and garden for his own use, Loudon sold the leases on the individual farms in the valley and made a profit of £15,000. Using the Bank of England calculator this is equivalent over £1,000,000 in 2025. Loudon moved from Great Tew to Pal Mall in London and planned his 18 month tour of Sweden, Prussia and Russia.

See also:

-  Gardenvisit.com appreciation of John Claudius Loudon.

- information on Great Tew from Jane Loudon's Life of John Claudius Loudon

- Gardenvisit.com Garden Finder information on Great Tew (with location map)