Note 538 — Chapter V · GARDENING
Reading edition
Sir John Thynne bought Longleat in 1541 and was occupied during 1567–79 in building the mansion. The baron Thynne who made the gardens became viscount in 1682 and Kip’s plans date sometime after that year. Lady Winchilsea, who visited often at Longleat, wrote, about 1690, a poem to Lady Worsley, the only daughter of Viscount Weymouth, in which she speaks of
Longleate that justly has all praise engross’d, The strangers wonder and our nations boast.
She comments on the finish in details and on the splendid effect of the whole. She describes labyrinths, flowery groves, smooth grass terraces, but she devotes her most eager lines to the fountains. Words are inadequate to
Paint her Cascades that spread their sheets so wide And emulate th’ Italian waters pride, Her Fountains which so high their streames extend Th’ amazed Clouds now feel the Rains ascend, Whilst Phoebus as they tow’rds his Mantion flow Graces th’ attempt and marks them with his Bow.