A WORLDLY wise cathedral canon of the mid-to-late 18th Century is the subject of a talk later this month.

Architectural conservationist Martin Roberts presents the City of Durham Trust’s annual lecture: The Amiable Dr Spence, at the watchdog group’s open meeting.

Dr Joseph Spence, a professor in both English Literature and history at Oxford University, was appointed a canon of Durham Cathedral in 1754, remaining in that post until his death in 1768, despite rarely visiting the city at some points in his tenure.

But he is best known as an accomplished landscape designer, taking credit for the lay-out and eventual appearance of many parks and gardens in both the city and wider county.

He was known as an advocate of the emerging English Landscape school at the time.

Mr Roberts’ lecture will outline these works and also consider how Spence’s designs may have influenced the look of several contemporary landscapes.

The illustrated lecture takes place in Room 141, Elvet Riverside, on Saturday October 28, at 2.15pm