How, by whom, and to what ends were the great estate landscapes of the early eighteenth century created? The letters, account books, diaries, plans and landscape of an important East Midlands estate, Rufford Abbey, will provide insights into these questions and be the course focus. We will explore the day-to-day practices and relationships that guided the management of woodlands, husbandry of carp, hunting of otters and foxes, and the laying out of pleasure grounds.
