![]() The park has always had an impressive arboretum. The large London Planes are estimated to have been planted during the period when Elizabeth I stayed at Theobalds. |
![]() Theobalds was renowned for its water features, most notably the Fountain Court. |
![]() As Elizabeth I's Chief Advisor, Sir William Cecil accommodated the Queen on these grounds on at least fifteen occasions. |
![]() Cecil purchased Theobalds in 1563. |
![]() John Gerard was Superintendent of Theobalds' gardens from 1577 to 1598. |
![]() The Queen's second visit in 1571 was her first following an extensive refurbishment and expansion of the estate, which turned the large house into what may be regarded as a palace. |
![]() Following Sir William Cecil's death in 1598, his son Robert inherits Theobalds. |
![]() James I presumably inherited Theobalds on Elizabeth I's death in 1603, as he made his first recorded visit the same year. |
![]() Theobalds Palace had a menagerie (Cedars Nature Centre continues to operate today). |
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![]() James I died at Theobalds on 27/3/1625. |
![]() Charles I inherited Theobalds on King James's death. |
![]() The Civil War began in 1642, and the lead from the roofs at Theobalds was sold to support the troops. |
![]() A survey of the property deems it to be in excellent condition and not fit for demolition, however this was misread and a large portion was destroyed. |
![]() The estate was granted to George Monck in 1661. |
![]() In 1763, George Prescott began building "Theobalds Park" (now on opposite side of A10). |
![]() The Meux family first rented Theobalds c. 1820. |
![]() Admiral Sir Hedworth Meux generously donated his grounds in 1919 as a public park called The Cedars (he changed surname from Lambton in 1910). |
![]() "The Cedars" was opened to the public on 2 July 1921. |
![]() The Royal Artillery used Theobalds Park during WWII (presumably for training). |
![]() Depicting a large Cedar tree, and the Flint Arch. |
![]() Queen Elizabeth II. (These are 'modern art' plaques, hence the rather ghastly portraiture!) |