PURFORD, (Surrey) near Byfleet and Newark, was anciently the seat of the Es. of Lincoln, who enclosed it with a park 3 m. about; but the present seat was built for most part by Sir John Wolley, dean of Carlisle, in the R. of Q. Eliz. from whose heirs it passed to Sir Rob. Parkhurst, and from him to Sir Rich. Onslow, whose family now enjoys it. It is a handsome house by the r. Wey, and has a pleasant prospect to Clandon-Hill; and from the lodge may be seen the ruins of Newark- Abbey, with the 7 streams running by it through rich meadows. From the house and park there is a fair view of Guilford road, and adjoining to the park is a very pleasant decoy-pool, with 4 tunnels. Above this seat begins the longest cut of the new r. which runs to the Thames at Ham-Hawe by Weybridpe, 5 m. off. It was made about 1673, and then this house, by the surveyor, was reported to be bet. 50 and 60 foot higher than the Thames. In this p. by the Guilford road, is a lake, 2 m. about, called Sheer-Water-Lake, which bel. to the heirs and assigns of Sir Rob. Parkhurst.