Austin Cooper was famous for more than just his gardening prowess; he was also renowned for his extraordinary strength. His nickname, “Austin the Settler,” may have been a result of his distinctive method for resolving conflicts – he would seize two individuals, forcefully bring them together, and then deposit them onto a dunghill.
Early Life in England
Austin Cooper (c. 1614 – c. 1690), a man of notable strength and gardening talent, was born in Byfleet, Surrey. He inherited property from his father, who is believed to have been a member of King Charles I’s inner circle.
Austin’s journey into the world of gardening began at Hampton Court Palace, renowned for its magnificent gardens. It was here that he honed his gardening skills under the guidance of some of England’s finest gardeners. During this time, he developed a profound understanding of landscape design and horticulture.
Move to Ireland
The Cooper family, known for their support of King Charles I during the Civil War, were pragmatic landowners who expanded their estate by purchasing adjacent land. However, after the Restoration in 1660, which saw King Charles II’s return to the throne, Austin was forced to forfeit his lands due to his affiliation with the enemy.
Around 1661, Austin Cooper made a bold decision. He sold all his possessions, amassing £1,500, and made his way to Butterhill, near Blessington, in County Wicklow, Ireland.
Innovative Gardening Techniques
In Ireland, Austin found employment as the head gardener at Blessington Demesne, under the patronage of Michael Boyle, the Archbishop of Dublin.
Under Austin’s guidance, the gardens at Blessington Manor flourished, thanks to his innovative gardening techniques, which included:
Introduction of Greenhouses: Austin established one of Ireland’s earliest greenhouses in Blessington. This breakthrough allowed him to cultivate a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and flowers throughout the year, marking a pioneering achievement for its time.
Formal Garden Design: Austin designed the gardens at Blessington Manor following the formal style, characterized by geometrically-shaped flowerbeds, well-maintained lawns, and meticulously planned pathways. This style, popular throughout Europe at the time, showcased the Boyle family’s wealth and status.
Diverse Plantings and Creative Features: Austin planted an extensive array of flora, including fruit trees, roses, evergreens, and an assortment of flowers. He also employed various materials to craft enchanting features like grottoes and fountains.
“Austin The Settler” Cooper
Beyond his gardening talents, Austin was renowned for his exceptional physical strength. He earned the nickname “Austin the Settler” due to his unique approach to settling disputes. Austin would grip two men, collide them together, and then toss them onto a dunghill to resolve conflicts.
Additionally, Austin was known to halt a horse-drawn cart in its tracks simply by gripping onto its back.
Austin Cooper Family and Legacy
Austin Cooper married Mary Dodson of Kingston-on-Thames, and together they had six sons and three daughters. Their descendants would continue to reside in Ireland for more than 300 years.
Today, as modern developments like the Blessington Shopping Centre stand tall, the story of Austin Cooper serves as a reminder of a time when strength and gardening intertwined.
For over three centuries, Austin Cooper’s legacy echoed in his family tree, with over 20 descendants proudly bearing the name “Austin”! 🌳
Recommended Reading
- Boyle, Michael. “Boyle, Michael (bap. 1609, d. 1702), archbishop of Armagh”. Dictionary of Irish Biography, 2019.
- Lamb, Keith, and Bowe, Patrick. A History of Gardening in Ireland. Ireland, National Botanic Gardens, 1995.
- Salter, Colin. “Tall Tales from the Trees”. www.colinsalter.co.uk.
