THEOBALDS, (Hertfordshire) by the New-River, in Cheshunt p. had a magnificent house, built by Ld.-treasurer Burleigh, and
improved by his son Sir Robert, in whose time King James I. staying here for one night's refreshment, as he came out of
Scotland to take possession of England's throne, was so pleased with the seat, that he gave him the manor of Hatfield-
Regis in exchange for it, enlarged the park (on the W. side of the village) with a brick-wall, 10 m. round, visited it
often, for the pleasure of hunting in Enfield-Chace, Epping-Forest, &c. and at last died here. In the civil wars this
noble palace was not only plundered, but defaced, it being the place from whence Charles I. set out to erect his standard
at Nottingham. K. Cha. II. granted the manor to George Monk D. of Albemarle, and his heirs-male; but his son Christopher
dying without issue, it reverted to the crown; and K. William III. bestowed it upon William Bentinck, whom he created Earl
of Portland; from whom 'tis descended to the D. his grandson. The great park, which was part in this Co. and part
Middlesex, is now converted into farms. Rich. Cromwell, who had been protector, but abdicated, passed the last part of his
life here, very privately.