Four Essex Parks from the Chapman and Andre Map of 1777
WEALD
In existence now for over 700 years, still shows the park lodge with far-reaching views over most
of the park. Also, but slightly misplaced, is the Belvedere built in the 1740s and later enlarged by
the Tower family adjacent to the church. The south-east corner of the park is today probably the
best place in Essex to get the feel of a medieval deer park.
MISTLEY PARK
Unusually sited for a park on the exposed banks of the Stour near Manningtree, is noticeably
surrounded by dense belts of woodland on three sides, presumably as some sort of shelter from
high winds. The windmill (top right-hand corner) was, however, presumably sited to take advantage
of them. Although now disparked, Mistley is still home to 'old knobbly', an oak pollard with a girth
of 32ft Sins - the second largest in Essex.
EASTON PARK NEAR DUNMOW
Easton Park was well known for its fine treescapc; note the four vistas, almost a patte d'oie, cut
through the park. The 700 acre park held some 570 head of deer in the late 19th century, mostly-
Fallow, but also 120 Red. The park was virtually completely obliterated by the construction of an
American bomber base in the second world war.
NEW HALL, BOREHAM
Home to Henry VIII's palace, partly demolished and much reduced in size in the 18th century and
now a school. Note the double avenue of limes planted by John Tradescant the elder in 1624, but
felled by 1800 and also the carriage turn-around. (Boreham House is also shown on this section of
map).
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Essex Parks: Section 1 - Parks in Essex