BURLEY ON THE HILL, (Rutland) near Oakham, has a fine seat also of the E. of Winchelsea, and the glory of the co. it being
a pleasant village that over-looks the rich vale of Catmosse. In the R. of Edw. II. Nicholas de Segrave was Ld. of the
manor, which was in the next R. conveyed to the Spensers, for which they paid 12 s. 4 d. a year to the crown as a leet, as
it is charged upon the sheriff to this day. It was soon after alienated to the Pleslingtons, and by marriage came to the
family of Francis, and thence to the Sapcotes and the Harringtons, in whose family it continued till purchased by Sir
George Villars, afterwards D. of Buckingham, who made the seat, which was first created by John Ld. Harrington, one of the
finest in England. In the civil wars there was a garrison in it for the Pt, which on the approach of the K's. forces
abandoned it, after setting fire to the house and rich furniture. The stables however being at some distance from the
house escaped, and are, at this day, one of the noblest buildings of the kind in England. The late E. of Nottingham
(Daniel Finch) having purchased the Lp. rebuilt the house at a great expence, and made it more beautiful and commodious
than ever. It has a park 5 or 6 m. in compass walled in, with fine woods, rich pasture and store of game in it, so that
there are few, if any, seats superior to it for gardens, paintings, &c. and a fine library. Here was formerly a chantry.