Abstract

Chillingham Park, Northumberland has been, at least since 1645, the home of the Chillingham Wild White Cattle. From 1799 it was developed, following the design of the estate steward, John Bailey, as a 1500 acre (600 hectares) park explicitly for the maintenance of the cattle, with fallow and red deer. Evidence is given for the inspiration of Bailey’s design as having been to recreate the supposed pristine habitat of the cattle, and to maintain relatively high herd numbers, by securing their winter feed supply. No other parks were, apparently, laid out following this model, the combination of association with an eponymous breed, quest for habitat authenticity and agronomic functionality making Chillingham Park unique.