Not
far from this point stands Cumberland Lodge, which derives its name
from William, Duke of Cumberland, to whom it was granted in 1744.
According to Norden's survey, in 1607, this park contained 3050 acres;
but when surveyed by George the Third it was found to consist of 3800
acres, of which 200 were covered with water. At that time the park
was over grown with fern and rushes, and abounded in bogs and
swamps, which in many places were dangerous and almost impassable.
It contained about three thousand head of deer in bad condition. The
park has since been thoroughly drained, smoothed, and new planted in
parts; and two farms have been introduced upon it, under the direction
of Mr. Kent, at which the Flemish and Norfolk modes of husbandry have
been successfully practised.
Boasting every variety of forest scenery, and commanding from its
knolls and acclivities magnificent views of the castle, the great park is
traversed, in all directions, by green drives threading its. long vistas, or
crossing its open glades, laid out by George the Fourth. Amid the
groves at the back of Spring Hill, in a charmingly sequestered situation,
stands a small private chapel, built in the Gothic style, and which was
used as a place of devotion by George the Fourth during the progress of
the improvements at the castle, and is sometimes attended by the
present queen.
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