Page 6 - cn - er concepts on the Belvoir narrative june 2020

A Living Expression

Elizabeth’s vision is further championed and preserved today by
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Emma, the 11 Duchess of Rutland. Her Grace has carried out
extensive work to the Duchess, Hermit and Spring Gardens and
has revised the Statue Garden.

Also, a major programme was initiated in 2013 and implemented

by Her Grace to complete the proposed 1780 plans drawn up by

Capability Brown for the Belvoir Estate. The plans were only
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partially carried out with a degree of planting in the 4 Duke’s
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tenure and by Elizabeth the 5 Duchess who created the two main
lakes and planted Brown’s proposed woodlands and groupings of

trees within the estate.

Her Grace directed the 2300 acre restoration project which

involved creating two new lakes, along with the thinning and
replanting of 500 acres of woodland, and the creation of a
perimeter tree belt (originally proposed by Brown) by planting

thousands of new trees on open fields within the parkland.

Today’s Belvoir is a unique living neo Gothic setting, contained

within its own distinct environment. The essence of the Gothic
fairy tale setting enchants all who visit the castle and surrounding

gardens and woodlands. The castle holds its kaleidoscopic
interiors of fashionable Regency styles, embracing Medieval,

Norman, Chinese and a glittering Baroque centre piece state-
ment , envisioned and created by Elizabeth and preserved by gen-

erations to this day.