on lofty ground, and is visible at the distance of thirty miles. It is
composed of stone and bricks, and contains some good rooms, in which are
many valuable pictures. It stands in a pleasant park, ornamented with
water, and fine plantations of wood.
Conolly, ---- Esq. 204. (_see Midford Castle_)
Cook, ---- Esq. 29. (_see Milland House_)
Cook, ---- Esq. 114. (_see Sion House_)
Cope, Sir J. 74. (_see Bramshill Park_)
Copland, A. Esq. 69. The residence of this gentleman is surrounded by
extensive and ornamental gardens and pleasure grounds; in the latter are
a beautiful grotto, and a sheet of water. The house is neat, in the
villa style.
Copley, Sir Jos. 124. (_see Bake_)
=Corsham Park=, 186, the seat of P. Methuen, Esq. The original building
was erected in the year 1582, but it has subsequently been much enlarged
and improved, and is now a most magnificent mansion, in the gothic
style; it is situated in an extensive park, in the ornament and
arrangement of which, nature and art are happily combined. But the
greatest attraction to this charming spot is an extensive and valuable
collection of pictures, by the most celebrated masters.
Corsham House is open for public inspection two days in the week; the
apartments shown are, first, the grand hall, which is fitted up in the
old baronial style; it is 110 feet in length, 25 feet broad, and 25 feet
high: the state dressing room, the state bed chamber, the cabinet room,
the picture gallery, the music room, the saloon, and the dining room.
These apartments are fitted up with great elegance, superbly furnished,
and adorned with the whole of the principal pictures in the Methuen
collection.
=Coryton House=, 113.
Coventry, Earl of, 52.
=Cowdry Park=, 34. In this extensive and beautiful park are situated the
picturesque ruins of Cowdry House, once the magnificent seat of the
noble family of Montague. These ruins are situated in a valley, near the
banks of the Arun, between two hills crowned with woods, the present
state of which bear evident testimony of the former magnificence and
splendour of this justly celebrated mansion. It was richly decorated
with paintings, and contained a choice collection of books, which,
together with the house, and the whole of its valuable furniture, was
destroyed by fire, on the night of the 24th of September, 1793. Its
present possessor, Pointz Cowdry, Esq. has erected a new brick house in
the park, about a mile from the ruins, in which he resides.
Cowdry, Pointz, Esq. 34. (_see Cowdry Park_)
Cox, B. Esq. 160. (_see Old Warren Cottage_)
Cox, R. Esq. 159.
=Cranbury House=, 78, the seat of Lady Holland, is an extensive mansion,
commanding some good views of the surrounding country, in which the
river Itchin, the Southampton water, and the Isle of Wight, are
prominent and interesting features. The home scenery is very fine, and
the grounds are enriched by plantations.
=Cranford Park=, 174, the seat of Lady Berkley. The park is a perfect
flat, but abounding with wood, and well watered by the Crane. The house,
an ancient building, is situated in an angle of the park near the
church: though it commands no variety of prospects, yet, from the
distribution of the woods and other embellishments, it may be deemed a
pleasant retirement. Cranford is celebrated for game, particularly
pheasants.
Crawford, ---- Esq. 51.
=Crockerhill House=, 216.
Crook, ---- Esq. 75, 131. (_see Kempshot Park_)
=Crowhurst Park=, 22, the seat of J. Pelham, Esq. This mansion is
desirably situated in a pleasant park, and commands extensive views of
the British Channel.
=Cuckfield Place=, 50, the seat of the Rev. Mr. Sergison. This mansion
stands in a picturesque situation, surrounded with a park. The approach
is from the high road to Brighton, by a spacious gravel walk, bordered
with noble trees, to the gate-house, which opens into a court leading to
the principal entrance of the mansion.
=Cuffnells=, 92, the pleasant residence of G. Rose, Esq. This
interesting spot, surrounded by the sylvan scenery of the New Forest,
possesses many peculiar advantages: boldly irregular in surface, and
strikingly embellished with stately forest trees, it presents many
beautiful landscapes. The house is situated on a rising ground embosomed
in wood, in the construction of which domestic comfort appears to have
been particularly studied, though exterior elegance has not been
altogether forgotten. The conservatory is filled with choice plants; and
the library is supposed to contain the finest collection of books in the
possession of any private gentleman in the kingdom. Here are also some
good portraits.
Cummings, ---- Esq. 177. (_see Ruscombe House_)
Cunningham, Col. 99. (_see Maltshanger House_)
=Curbridge House=, 213.
Curtis, Sir Roger, 32. (_see Gatcomb_)
D.
=Danson Park=, 2, the seat of John Johnson, Esq. The mansion is a
handsome fabric, standing on a commanding eminence, in a pleasant park.
The original designs were given by Sir Robert Taylor, but were somewhat
departed from in raising the superstructure: on the principal floor are
three large and elegant apartments. The grounds were laid out by the
celebrated Brown, who also formed a spacious sheet of water in the park,
which exhibits some flourishing plantations. The wings of the house were
subsequently pulled down, and a large pile of stabling and offices
erected.
Darnley, Earl of, 4, 14. (_see Bounds, and Cobham Hall_)
Day, S. Esq. 204.
=Deepdeen=, 63, the seat of Thomas Hope, Esq. formerly the residence of
the Hon. Charles Howard, who beautified and adorned the grounds with
great taste.
=Deer Park=, 115.
Delme, Mrs. 98, 222. (_see Cams Hall_)
=Denbighs=, 63.
Dennison, W. J. Esq. 63. (_see Denbighs_)
=Den Place=, 65.
=Dewlish House=, 108.
Dickenson, ---- Esq. 186. (_see Pickwick Lodge_)
Dickins, ---- Esq. 62. (_see Vale Lodge_)
Digby, Earl, 140. (_see Sherborne Castle_)
Dillon, ---- Esq. 96. (_see Hall Place_)
Dinnothorne, ---- Esq. 128. (_see Pennance_)
=Ditton Park=, 175, the seat of Lord Montague. The house is ancient and
venerable, surrounded by a moat of water: it stands pleasantly in a fine
well-wooded park, and appears to have been built in the reign of James
the First. Here is a gallery containing a collection of good pictures.
The apartments are elegant and well furnished.
=Donhead Hall=, 138.
=Donnington Castle=, 180, the ruins of which only now remain, rearing
their ivy-crested tops above the remains of the venerable oaks by which
it was once surrounded. It was originally a place of considerable
strength and importance, and is rendered famous for its bold defence
against the parliament forces in 1644, under the command of the brave
and loyal Col. Boys, in which siege it was greatly delapidated, having
three of its towers entirely destroyed. It is likewise celebrated for
having been the residence of the immortal Chaucer, the parent of English
poetry. Immediately contiguous to the ruins is erected a plain modern
house, now in the occupation of Col. Stead.
=Donnington Grove=, 180, the seat of ---- Bebb, Esq. The house is a
handsome modern building, pleasantly situated on a sloping lawn,
screened from the north by a ridge of woody hills, on which the ruined
towers of Donnington Castle, o’ertopping its surrounding woods, forms a
rich and beautiful back ground. The Lambourne river, which passes
through the park in front of the house, has been judiciously enlarged,
forming a spacious sheet of water about a mile in length, most
tastefully serpentined; and interspersed with islands, which, together
with its banks, are ornamented with groves and clumps of trees,
affording protection to a vast assemblage of the feathered inhabitants
of the lake, which also abounds with fish of various kinds. The grounds
are well furnished with wood, and possess every attraction of luxuriant
nature shining in all the radiance of tasteful cultivation.
Dorchester, Lady, 176.
Dott, ---- Esq. 221. (_see Bittern Grove_)
=Down House=, 101.
=Downland=, 29.
Dumaresq, ---- Esq. 95. (_see Pelham Place_)
Dundas, C. Esq. 181. (_see Barton Court_)
=Dunsboro’ House=, 26.
=Duporth=, 127.
Dyer, Mrs. 216. (_see Crockerhill House_)
E.
=Early Court=, 177.
East, Sir William, 176. (_see Hall Place_)
Edgell, Mrs. 205. (_see Standerwick Court_)
Edwards, Mrs. 205. (_see Charlcott House_)
Egremont, Earl of, 38. (_see Petworth Park_)
Ellis, ---- Esq. 179. (_see Midgham House_)
=Elm Bank=, 62.
=Elvetham=, 74, the seat of Gen. Gwynne. This was formerly a place of
considerable extent and magnificence, and celebrated from a splendid
entertainment given here by the Earl of Hertford to Queen Elizabeth, in
the year 1591. The mansion, which had been considerably reduced, and
greatly delapidated from neglect, has been lately repaired, and rendered
an eligible residence. The park and grounds include an area of about two
miles in circumference.
=Emley Park=, 210.
=Englefield House=, 178, the seat of Richard Benyon, Esq. This
magnificent mansion is situated on the declivity of a verdant hill,
sheltering it from the north, and sloping gently thence to a beautiful
sheet of water, tastefully arranged in a serpentine form, and ornamented
with several woody islands, in which are abundance of wild fowl; the
banks of the lake are also rendered most interestingly picturesque by a
variety of woody scenery. Beyond this, to the south, a beautiful valley,
bounded with swelling hills, delightfully opens to the view, in which
the eye with pleasure wanders over the charming variety of woods,
interspersed with elegant seats, villages, and cultivated grounds.
Enys, ---- Esq. 130.
Errington, ---- Esq. 101. (_see Red Rice_)
=Escott House=, 115, the seat of Sir John Kennaway, Bart. This is a
brick building with stone ornaments, commodious and agreeably situated,
and containing some good paintings. The grounds surrounding the mansion
(about 500 acres) are judiciously laid out, extremely fertile, and
enriched with some very fine timber.
=Esher Place=, 25, the seat of John Spicer, Esq. This is a handsome
modern mansion, situated on an elevated spot, in a spacious park, of
which the house commands many beautiful views, and also of the
surrounding country.
Estcourt, ---- Esq. 199. (_see New Park_)
Etheridge, ---- Esq. 185.
F.
=Fair Place=, 217.
Falmouth, Lord, 179. (_see Woolhampton House_)
=Farnborough Place=, 80.
=Farnham Castle=, 81, the seat of the Bishop of Winchester. The castle
is situated on a hill; its shape is quadrangular, built on the site and
with part of the materials which composed the ancient castle, destroyed
by order of parliament, in the year 1648. It contains a fine library,
and some good paintings. The park is of considerable extent, and
extremely pleasant.
=Felbridge Park=, 56.
Fermanagh, Lady, 2. (_see May Place_)
=Fifehead House=, 139.
Fitzhugh, ---- Esq. 220. (_see Bannisters Lodge_)
Fleming, Col. 212. (_see South Stoneham House_)
Fleming, Mrs. 79, 211. (_see North Stoneham Park_)
=Flower House=, 55.
Flower, Miss, 16.
=Fonthill Abbey=, 163, the seat of William Beckford, Esq. This
magnificent mansion, justly considered unique, whether viewed
collectively or in its subdivisions, must, in either case excite
astonishment and awaken the most delightful sensations. The house,
plantations, extent and variety of this beautiful and diversified spot,
individually claim our attention alike, and each merits a particular
description, which, to enter upon in a work of so limited a nature as
the present, is impossible; we therefore confine ourselves to sketching
a few of the most prominent beauties of this justly celebrated and truly
magnificent seat.
The enclosures measure about seven miles, surrounded by a stone wall,
the internal features of which are diversified with a variety of scenic
capabilities, and such has been the taste and judgment exercised in the
disposition and arrangement of the embellishments, that a journey of
twenty-two miles may be made within these gardens without once retracing
the same steps; in the progress of which the scenery will be found
equally varied, beautiful, and interesting.
An eminence gradually ascending from the open country on the north is
covered with woods, some of which are of ancient growth, but the major
part consists of modern plantations, descending to a fine enclosed
country to the south. From the apex of a hill, embosomed in this
luxuriant grove, rises a mansion called the Abbey, crowned with a lofty
tower (visible at the distance of forty miles) turrets, pediments, and
pinnacles, bearing every external appearance of an ancient monastic
edifice. It is composed of a tower in the centre, 276 feet in height, an
entrance hall lofty and spacious, and three wings, extending from the
tower to the east, north, and south; the exterior elevation of each of
these portions is dissimilar to the others, each appropriated to the
purposes of a commodious and elegant mansion; the whole adorned in the
most costly manner, and enriched with the choicest productions of the
fine arts. The view from the top of the tower is of vast extent,
including many counties in its circumference, and embracing a variety of
charming scenery interspersed with objects beautifully picturesque. Some
conception may be formed of the extent and variety of this scene, when
it is known that the tower has its base upon an eminence considerably
above the level of the top of Salisbury spire; and in the immediate
neighbourhood there is no hill of sufficient magnitude to bound the
view. On the summit of a lofty eminence, called The Beacon, is a plain
of about six acres, intended for the site of a magnificent tower; the
foundations of which are entirely laid, and in most parts the walls are
raised to the height of nine or ten feet, it is of considerable extent,
in form triangular, with a circular bastion at each of its angles.
From the south-east side, near the foot of this hill, a singularly
advantageous prospect of the abbey is obtained. Over a long extent of
ground, adorned in the most luxuriant and beautiful manner by trees of
various foliage, so arranged as not to interrupt the view, this truly
magnificent mansion appears, presenting a grand mass of embattled
towers, surmounted by the lofty octagon which composes the centre. This
charming scene is backed by an elevated woodland of a sombre aspect,
which by contrast heightens the striking and brilliant effect of the
edifice, and thus renders complete this unrivalled coup d’œil.
Descending into the bottom, a fine lake reflects the beauties of the
surrounding scene, which is so arranged as to give an idea of even much
greater magnitude than it possesses; it is plentifully supplied with
waterfowl. Shooting is not allowed within the enclosure, consequently
every animal sports undisturbed, and from their number considerably
enliven this enchanting place.
The former mansion at Fonthill, which is now taken down, was situated
nearly a mile and a half from the present. Fonthill anciently
constituted the lordship of the family of the Giffards, and is still
called Fonthill Giffard, to distinguish it from a contiguous parish,
denominated Fonthill Bishop.
Foote, R. Esq. 9. (_see Charlton Park_)
Foreman, W. Esq. 1. (_see Westcomb Park_)
Fort, ---- Esq. 209. (_see Alderbury House_)
=Fox Lease=, 92.
=Freemantle=, 91, 220.
=Froyle Place=, 82.
Fuller, ---- Esq. 200. (_see Neston_)
G.
Gage, Lord, 59, 96. (_see Plashet Place, and Westbrook House_)
Garnier, ---- Esq. 97, 213. (_see Wickham Corner_)
=Garston Hall=, 55.
=Gatcomb=, 32.
=Gatton Park=, 47, 54, the seat of Sir Mark Wood. This mansion stands in
the middle of an extensive park, ornamented with wood and water
tastefully arranged, and forming a most charming residence.
Gibbons, Sir William, 174. (_see Stanwell Place_)
Gipps, G. Esq, 9. (_see Ileden_)
=Givens Grove=, 62.
Glanville, ---- Esq. 124. (_see Catchfrench_)
Gloucester, H. R. H. the Duke of, 72, 87. (_see Bagshot Park and
Bolderwood Lodge_)
=Gloucester Lodge=, 171.
Gloucester, H. R. H. Princess Sophia of, 92. (_see Ironshill Lodge_)
Goodlad, ---- Esq. 97. (_see Hill Place_)
=Goodwood=, 36, 40, 216, the seat of the Duke of Richmond. The mansion
is advantageously situated in a spacious park, commanding extensive and
delightful prospects. After a variety of alterations and additions to
the present time, this mansion has arrived at a degree of elegance and
splendour truly worthy its present noble possessor. The principal front,
and the west wing, are new. The former, which faces the south, is only
one story high, with a circular tower of two stories, crowned with a low
dome at each end. The centre is embellished with a portico of six Ionic
columns of Portland stone, which support another of the same number of
Doric pillars, surmounted by a ballustrade. Each of the wings, forming
obtuse angles with the front, has also a circular tower at its
extremity. The apartments are spacious and elegant.
The stables and offices, situated westward of the house, are a handsome
quadrangular building, inferior to few in the kingdom. The kennel for
the hounds exceeds in magnificence, and conveniences of every kind, any
structure, perhaps, ever raised before for a similar purpose. The
gardens are extensive, and tastefully laid out. Here is also a
magnificent tennis-court. The park contains 2000 acres, in which, on a
rising ground, is erected a beautiful pleasure-house, called Cairney
Seat: from this building the most magnificent views present themselves.
Adjoining the park, on a hill, is a race course, where races are held
two or three days, in the latter end of April, or beginning of May.
The lion, carved in wood, which ornamented the head of Commodore Anson’s
ship, in which he circumnavigated the globe, is placed on a pedestal,
near the Duke of Richmond Inn.
Goring, C. Esq. 66. (_see Highden_)
Grainger, ---- Esq. 49. (_see Bridge House_)
Grant, ---- Esq. 213. (_see Park Place_)
Grant, J. Esq. 80. (_see Windmill Hill_)
Graves, Lord, 123. (_see Thanks_)
=Greenwich Park=, 1. This spot has been long celebrated as the favourite
residence of several of our sovereigns, having a magnificent palace, on
the site of which is now erected that most splendid monument of national
glory, =Greenwich Hospital=; the prudence and humanity of which
institution confers an immortality of renown on its royal founders,
William the Third and Queen Mary. The architect was Sir Christopher
Wren, who, after having adapted to his plan the wing of a palace,
erected by Charles the Second, in 1696, laid the foundation of the first
new building, and the superstructure was completed in two years
afterwards. From this period the Hospital has been gradually enlarged
and improved, till it has arrived at its present height of splendour and
magnificence. Greenwich Hospital is principally built of Portland stone,
and consists, in its present state, of four distinct quadrangular piles
of building, distinguished by the names of the respective monarchs in
whose reigns they were founded or built. The grand front opens on a
terrace, skirting the southern bank of the Thames, and extending to the
length of 865 feet, in the centre of which is a descent to the river, by
a double flight of steps. The ground plot of the whole edifice forms
nearly a square, of which King Charles’s building occupies the
north-west angle; Queen Ann’s, the north-east; King William’s, the
south-west; and Queen Mary’s, the south-east. The interval between the
two former buildings forms a square, 270 feet wide, in the middle of
which is the statue of George the Second, sculptured by Rysbrach, out of
a single block of white marble, weighing eleven tons, which was taken
from the French by Admiral Sir George Rooke, and given to the Hospital
by Sir John Jennings, governor.
Greenwich Park was disjoined from the palace when the latter was
converted into an hospital, and it still continues to be vested in the
crown. It contains 880 acres, and was walled round with brick by James
the First. The upper part, adjoining to Blackheath, is considerably
elevated; and from One Tree Hill and the Observatory, which stands on
the site of a tower erected by the good Duke of Gloucester, the
prospects are uncommonly fine, particularly of the metropolis, the
county of Essex, and the serpentine windings of the Thames, animated by
the crowds of shipping that are continually navigating its busy stream.
Greenwich Hospital is immediately under the eye; and with the adjacent
country and river, and London in the distance, presents as interesting
a coup-d’œil as can well be imagined. The park itself affords much rich
scenery: it was laid out by Le Nôtre, in the time of Charles the Second,
and is planted chiefly with elms and Spanish chesnuts, some of which
latter are very large. In one part are remains of various ancient
Barrows, most of which were opened, in the year 1784, by Mr. Douglas,
author of the “_Nenia Britannica_.” Among the articles found in them
were spear heads, knives, human bones, and hair, fragments of woollen
cloth, lumps of iron, and broad-headed nails, with decayed wood adhering
to them.
The Ranger’s Lodge, an edifice once splendid, though now greatly
delapidated, was the occasional retirement of the Right Hon. Henry
Pelham, when prime minister: his wife, the Lady Catherine Pelham, being
then Ranger of the park. No other person was appointed to that office
till it was given to the Princess of Wales. The Tower in Greenwich Park,
which had been erected by Duke Humphrey, after having been rebuilt, and
subsequently repaired, was pulled down by Charles the Second, in 1675,
who founded on its site the present =Royal Observatory=. This spot was
chosen by the recommendation of Sir Christopher Wren, and the celebrated
Flamstead was appointed the first Astronomer Royal, by the advice of Sir
Jonas Moore. The king gave £500, and as many bricks as were wanted, from
a spare stock at Tilbury Fort, which together with the materials of the
old Tower, compose the present building, which was completed in 1676 The
present Astronomer Royal is John Pond, Esq. Within the building is a
deep dry well, formed for the purpose of admitting observations to be
made on the stars in the day time.
Greville, ---- Esq. 220. (_see Shirley House_)
=Grove House=, 61.
Grove, Mrs. 164. (_see Zeals House_)
=Grove Place=, 220.
Gwydir, Lord, 16. (_see Langley Park_)
Gwynne, Gen. 74. (_see Elvetham_)
H.
=Hack House=, 199.
=Hackwood Park=, 75, the seat of Lord Bolton. The park is very
extensive, with a surface boldly irregular, partaking of the beautiful
character of the neighbouring chalk downs. The scenery is picturesque,
the views being diversified by large groves of the finest forest trees,
particularly oak, ash, and beech, interspersed with thorns, beautifully
luxuriant and large. The house, which is situated towards the eastern
boundary of the park, is encompassed by about 100 acres of pleasure
grounds, disposed into lawn, terrace, shrubbery, and a noble wood.
Various alterations have been made by Lord Bolton, who has greatly
improved the pleasure grounds, by unfettering nature from the restraints
imposed by the ancient style of gardening. In short, to enumerate the
particular beauties of Hackwood Park, replete with every luxuriant
embellishment that can be obtained from a happy combination of nature
and art, assisted by soil and situation, would far exceed the limits of
this publication. The house was originally a lodge, built in Queen
Elizabeth’s time, and used as a place of meeting for the company
assembled for the purpose of hawking, and as a banqueting room after the
sport was over. This lodge now forms the central part of the building,
which, after a variety of additions and alterations, has arrived at its
present excellence, being rendered, by the improvements of its noble
possessor, a handsome and complete family residence. It contains some
good portraits.
=Haine Castle=, 151.