Theobald's Park; Sir Henry Meux, Bart. - The house is a fine old English mansion, in a commanding situation, with an extensive terrace prospect in front, in consequence of which the views from the windows of the principal rooms produce an impression at once of grandeur and cheerfulness. There is a broad walk in front of the house, and a curvilinear-roofed conservatory forming part of one wing. In the grounds there is much to approve; but, as we passed very rapidly through them, and intend to visit the place again, we deter any further remarks, and merely add that we found the place in the very highest order, even to the frame ground and back sheds of the kitchen-garden, and the shady walks in the distant woods. Were a person in search of a suburban residence to visit the places we have mentioned, and consider their effect upon his mind, he would learn to discover what constitutes cheerfulness, independently altogether of animated nature; and he would find distant prospect occupying a large portion of the picture, in proportion to that occupied by the foreground, an essential feature. The Gothic Cottage, W. Harrison, Esq., and the Swiss Cottage, H. B. Ker, Esq., both at Cheshunt, will form the subjects of future Articles. [Wikipedia: Theobalds House (also known as Theobalds Palace), located in Theobalds Park, just outside Cheshunt in the English county of Hertfordshire, was a prominent stately home and (later) royal palace of the 16th and early 17th centuries. Theobalds House was replaced in the Georgian period by yet another stately mansion, known as Theobalds Park after the estate on which it stands, and which still survives. This was built by George Prescott, a merchant and MP who had bought the estate in 1763. Theobalds Park passed from the Prescott family to the Meux family about 1820, and they made alterations and added extensions during the 19th century. In 1910 the estate was inherited by Admiral The Hon Sir Hedworth Meux, a member of the aristocratic Lambton family. After his death, the house was a hotel for some years. It was later used as a school, then as an adult education centre, and is now a conference centre.]
