Glossary of Park Terms
Freeboard - a strip of land around the perimeter of some parks, kept clear for inspection and
repair of the park pale
Gate lodge - the main entrance gate to the park often had a lodge. In about 1531 John Glynne is
mentioned as the Keeper of the Southgate at Havering Park. A gate-keepers' lodge is mentioned
here in 1650
Greyhound - the favoured dog for pursuing the deer; a dog that hunts by sight. Also grewin
(1550), a rarely used term
Ha-ha - a device prevalent from the 18th century onwards, which prevented deer and livestock
from entering the gardens surrounding mansions, but did not intrude into the view from tlie house,
as a fence would
Hart - another name for a red deer stag, but could also be used for a fallow buck.
Hatch - (also Hacche) - a gate
Hind - female red deer
Humulus - fawn (Fallow) or calf (Red)
Hunting-tower - similar in function to the standing; the one at Audley End, demolished c. 1770,
was probably unique in Essex. It was built on an eminence overlooking the mansion from which
a good view of a hunt's progress could be achieved
Laund - a grassy plain where deer, cattle and sheep could graze in the park
Limer - a hound that hunted by scent
Lodge - the building from winch the day-to-day work of the park was undertaken. Most parks
usually had one placed where the most extensive views of the park could be had. Even when
disparked, the name - ie Lodge Farm or Park Lodge Field - can usually be the clue to the existence
of the former deer park
Lops and tops - wood trimmed from felled trees
Mast - usually acorn, upon which the pigs (pannage) or deer fed in the autumn
Mastinus - mastiff
Mews - a place where hawks and falcons, used for hawking, were housed
Mort - the sounding of the huntsman's horn on the death of a deer
58 Essex Parks: Section 1 - Parks in Essex