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Denbies, Surrey ;

THE SEAT OF

WILLIAM JOSEPH DENISON, ESQ.

DENBIES is delightfully situated upon a commanding eminence, overlooking that large portion of the county of Surrey, which is so highly interesting to the admirers of beautiful landscape, and is not unfrequently compared with the scenery of Italy. The House stands about two miles from Dorking, northwest from that town, with a view directly south of Leith Hill, its romantic summit crowned with a lofty tower. Farther towards the east is Dorking, occupying the angle of two fine valleys, surrounded by the most beautiful hills. The town is backed by the grounds of Bury Hill, and the luxuriantly embellished Deep Dene, the seat of Thomas Hope, Esq. Beechworth Castle and Box Hill next meet the eye. The windings of the river Mole, and Burford Bridge, Mickleham, and the woods of Norbury Park, on a ridge of hills, terminate the prospect on the north. On the north-west are situated Polesden, formerly the residence of R. B. Sheridan, and Horsely Place. Denbies was originally built by Jonathan Tyers, Esq., a gentleman celebrated as the original proprietor of Vauxhall Gardens; who, by his influence, attracted all the rank and fashion of the capital to the Ridotto al Fresco, a species of amusement new to this country at the beginning of the last century. While in his possession, the Grounds at Denbies were laid out in a very singular style. The estate afterwards became the property of Lord King, of Ockham, of whom the whole was purchased by Joseph Denison, Esq., the father of the present proprietor. Both the House and Grounds, which are extensive, have undergone great alteration, in the long period of time since they were originally formed.

The Mansion, without being spacious, is very convenient. In the tympan of the pediment, which surmounts the principal front of the edifice, is the arms of the family; it consists of a centre and wings, and contains a small collection of pictures, chiefly Dutch and Flemish, and a few marbles, obtained by the present proprietor from the Continent. Our View is taken from a most striking approach, which is formed by a beautiful terrace-drive up the hill upon which the House stands; the road occasionally passes through woods most abundantly stored with game of every species. These woods environ the Mansion, without concealing the prospect; and shelter, without obscuring the view of the House.

The late Joseph Denison, Esq., died in the year 1806, at a very advanced age. Of his daughters, Elizabeth married the Marquis Conyngham, and Maria, Sir Robert Lawley, Bart. He was succeeded in his large estates by his eldest son, William Joseph Denison, Esq., the present proprietor of Denbies.

THE SEAT OF

HENRY P. SPERLING, ESQ.

NORBURY PARK is agreeably situated in the parish of Mickleham, between Leatherhead and Dorking, and forms one of the prettiest objects included in the view from the summit of Box Hill. The present Mansion-house was built by Mr. Lock, about the year 1775, on a spot considerably removed from the ancient edifice, which had been inhabited by the proprietors of the estate many centuries ago, and which stood in the meadows nearer the river. The annexed Engraving presents a sketch of the Carriage-front of the new House, erected by Mr. Lock upon a well-chosen beautiful situation, under which the river Mole winds its "sullen course." The whole exterior, including the offices, is white. The principal entrance is by a flight of steps under a Doric portico, with an elegant Venetian window on each side. Views of the romantic mountains and lakes of Cumberland and Westmorland, are painted by Barrett on the sides of one of the principal rooms; and are so disposed as to form a pleasing addition to the beautifully variegated landscape which meets the eye from the windows.

In the reign of Edward II., Norbury in Mickleham was held by William Husee, of Gilbert, Earl of Clare and Gloucester, by the service of half a knight's fee, value £10 per annum. Husee's grand-daughter and heiress, Isabel, married William Wymeldon, in which family the property remained until the time of Henry VII., when it was divided by two co-heiresses. Upon this division, the place or manor of Norbury in Mickleham, was given to Thomas Stodewolfe, or Stidulf, who had married the elder sister. This Stidulf was a branch of an ancient Saxon family of the same name, seated at Stidulf's Place, in the parish of Seal, near Sevenoaks, in Kent, and who possessed large estates in that county. Richard Stidulf, the fifth in descent from Thomas, was created a Baronet in December, 1660, but leaving only two daughters, the title died with him. Lady Astley, the elder daughter, devised all her manors, &c., to her youngest nephew, James Tryon.

Mr. Tryon, by his will, bearing date January, 1722, left all his property to his nephew, Charles Tryon, in fee. This gentleman, in 1728, having married Lady Mary, daughter of Robert, Earl Ferrers, settled on her, among others, the manor of Norbury, together with the mansion-house and lands of Norbury, as a jointure. Subject thereto, he, by will dated in June, 1743, devised the same to his eldest son, Charles, in fee. In 1765, the estate was sold to Anthony Chapman, Esq., of London, for £35,000. In 1774, Mr. Chapman disposed of Norbury Park to William Lock, Esq., the founder of the present mansion, in which he resided upwards of thirty years; and after his death, his son sold it to Fuller Maitland, Esq., M.P., who exchanged it for Park Place, in Berkshire, the property and residence of Henry Sperling, Esq., the present possessor of Norbury Park. This gentleman has made a new and much easier approach to the mansion than was afforded by the old road, at the same time disclosing the beauties of the surrounding scenery. Mr. Sperling has also planted largely, and laid out some beautiful walks and flower-gardens, thus giving additional effect to the picturesque grounds of Norbury. The yew-trees, for which it is famed, are recorded in Domesday Book, and are, no doubt, many of them from one to two thousand years old: here are also some magnificent beech-trees. Upon the whole, there are few places to be compared with Norbury for healthiness of situation, variety of landscape, and cheerfulness of prospect.

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