GODSTONE, (Surrey) on the E. side of Blechingley, lies part in the great road to Sussex, and part, with the Ch. on an
eminence about half a m. higher. It has its name from the excellent stone-quarries here. The manor belonged in the R. of
Henry VII. to Roger de St. John, and continued in the family till 1350, when it was conveyed to Sir Nich. Lovaine. It has
been for some time in the name and family of Evelyn, the first of whom that purchased it, father to Sir John Evelyn, was
in his time the only maker of gunpowder in England; and when Sir John came to it himself, he built a house upon it, which
cost him 9000 l.