PETERSHAM, (Surrey) near the New-Park, S. of Richmond-Hill, is said to have been anciently a priviledged place, and to
have had a mon. but has now no traces of either. The manor bel. to the crown. Here is the seat of the E. of Harrington, to
whom it gives title of Visc. as it did that of Baron to the D. of Lauderdale, so created by K. Cha. II. who often retired
to it. The house is erected in an angle of the New-Park, on the site of the E. of Rochester's fine house, which was burnt
down in 1720 by an accidental fire, so sudden and furious, that besides consuming the rich furniture, paintings and
library of the E. of Clarendon, the family had much ado to save their lives.